Padilla defends Duterte’s fund transfer as legal under Bayanihan Law

Senator Robinhood Padilla stated on Sunday that former President Rodrigo Duterte did not violate any law when he ordered the transfer of P47.6 billion from the Department of Health to the Department of Budget and Management in 2020.

Padilla cited Section 4 of the Bayanihan Law, which grants emergency powers during crises and exempts personal protective equipment (PPE) procurement from standard procurement laws.

Former Health Secretary Francisco Duque III confirmed on June 3 that he transferred the funds upon Duterte's order to purchase COVID-19 supplies, while Mr. Duque and a former Budget official are now facing graft charges before the Office of the Ombudsman over the unusual fund transfer.

Padilla defended the government's actions, saying it had to spend money like other countries did to combat the pandemic and secure loans when necessary.

The senator questioned whether it was appropriate to engage in political attacks at a time when the country is facing significant challenges.