Inquirer
Hontiveros: Probe ex-president Duterte based on Duque’s revelation
Senator Risa Hontiveros is calling for former President Rodrigo Duterte to be included in the Office of the Ombudsman's investigation into Pharmally deals concerning COVID-19 supplies.
Hontiveros's demand follows former Health Secretary Francisco Duque III's testimony that Duterte ordered the transfer of PHP47.6 billion from the Department of Health to the Procurement Service of the Department of Budget and Management in 2020 for the procurement of these supplies.
The senator highlighted that Duterte was introduced to Pharmally officials by Michael Yang, his former special adviser, in 2017, suggesting a potential connection.
Hontiveros believes Duterte should explain the policy considerations behind his directive to Duque and expressed hope that those responsible for the misuse of public funds during the pandemic will be held accountable.
She trusts that the Ombudsman will consider this new revelation as it continues its Pharmally probe.
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Former Health Secretary Francisco Duque III stated that former President Rodrigo Duterte ordered the transfer of P47.6 billion from the DOH to the PS-DBM in 2020 for COVID-19 supplies.
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Senator Risa Hontiveros suggested that former Health Secretary Francisco Duque III could have served as a new witness to reopen the Senate's investigation into the Pharmally Pharmaceutical Corporation procurement mess.
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Senator Robinhood Padilla stated that former President Rodrigo Duterte did not break any laws when he authorized the transfer of P47.6 billion in COVID-19 funds to the Procurement Service of the Department of Budget and Management (PS-DBM).
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