Ombudsman clears Duque of misconduct charges over P41B DOH transfer

The Ombudsman has cleared former Health Secretary Francisco T. Duque III of grave misconduct charges related to the transfer of over P41 billion from the Department of Health (DOH) to the Procurement Service of the Department of Budget and Management (PS-DBM) between March and December 2020.

The Ombudsman ruled that Mr. Duque is no longer a proper subject for an administrative complaint as he had already left office when former President Rodrigo Duterte's term ended on June 30, 2022.

Despite the clearance from the Ombudsman, Duque still faces graft charges in connection with the budget transfer and has expressed confidence in proving his innocence before the Sandiganbayan.

Former Budget Undersecretary Christopher Lao also faces similar graft charges but was arrested last month in Davao City.

The alleged irregularities involved the purchase of COVID-19 supplies and equipment during the pandemic, with the Ombudsman citing a Supreme Court decision that Duque is no longer subject to administrative complaints due to his separation from service.