Ombudsman clears Duque in P41.4B COVID-19 supplies case

The Office of the Ombudsman has cleared former Health Secretary Francisco Duque III in his administrative case concerning the P41.4 billion purchase of COVID-19 supplies.

The Ombudsman granted Duque's motion for reconsideration, overturning a previous ruling that found him guilty of grave misconduct, conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service, and gross neglect of duty.

Duque was cleared in his administrative case due to lack of jurisdiction, as the complaint was filed after he left his post on June 30, 2022.

The Ombudsman also set aside penalties of forfeiture of retirement benefits and perpetual disqualification from reemployment in government against Duque.

The case involved a series of fund transfers from the Department of Health to the Procurement Service-Department of Budget and Management totaling over P41.4 billion between March and December 2020.