Manila Bulletin
Senators welcome Ombudsman probe of DOH irregularities
The Office of the Ombudsman is investigating the Department of Health (DOH) and Secretary Francisco Duque III over alleged anomalies in the COVID-19 response.
Ombudsman Samuel Martires suspects the DOH might be hiding something, noting that investigators were given the runaround when seeking data and documents.
Subpoenas will be issued to the DOH and Department of Budget and Management for relevant documents.
The investigation covers issues such as the purchase of test kits, delayed procurement of PPEs, alleged lapses leading to the infection or death of medical frontliners, confusing reporting of COVID-19 data, and inaction in releasing benefits for fallen and infected medical frontliners.
Senators have welcomed the Ombudsman's probe, with Senator Christopher "Bong" Go emphasizing that the investigation should not slow down the COVID-19 containment efforts.
Senator Juan Edgardo "Sonny" Angara acknowledged the Ombudsman's authority to investigate unilaterally and recalled signing a previous resolution asking for Duque's resignation.
Go added that DOH personnel have nothing to fear if they have not engaged in illegal or wrongdoings.
Martires hopes to conclude the investigation within the year and urges the DOH to cooperate.
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President Rodrigo Duterte has publicly defended Health Secretary Francisco Duque III amid an investigation by the Ombudsman into the Department of Health's (DOH) handling of the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Senator Sherwin Gatchalian urged Health Secretary Francisco Duque III to take a leave of absence while the Ombudsman investigates alleged irregularities within the Department of Health's COVID-19 response.
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President Rodrigo Duterte expressed confidence in Health Secretary Francisco Duque III's ability to address allegations of irregularities in the Department of Health's (DOH) handling of the COVID-19 crisis.
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Senator Richard Gordon believes that individuals may be targeting the position of Department of Health (DOH) Secretary Francisco Duque III, who is now the subject of a motu proprio investigation by the Office of the Ombudsman concerning the government's COVID-19 response.
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President Duterte has expressed his full trust and confidence in the integrity of his officials, assuring that there were no anomalies in the government's response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
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