Lao arrested, Duque bailed for COVID procurement irregularities

Former Budget undersecretary Lloyd Christopher Lao and former Health Secretary Francisco Duque III were implicated in controversial procurement practices during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Lao was arrested on Wednesday by the Philippine National Police's Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) following an arrest warrant issued by Sandiganbayan 1st Division for alleged irregularities involving over PHP41.4 billion funds transferred to the Procurement Service-Department of Budget and Management.

Duque posted bail last September 4 after finding out about the filing of a graft case against him before the Sandiganbayan, indicating his intention to pursue remedies available in court.

The charges stem from complaints filed by former Senator Richard Gordon and Sen. Risa Hontiveros before the Office of the Ombudsman, as well as an investigation into overpriced laptop computers for teachers flagged by the Commission on Audit.

Both officials were investigated for alleged violations of Republic Act No. 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, with Duque clarifying that the procurement services from PS-DBM during the health emergency were necessary.

Lao was detained at the CIDG Regional Forensic Unit 11 in Davao City but was released after posting bail worth PHP90,000.