Anti-graft court acquits former FDA head Puno of graft charges

A Philippine anti-graft court has acquitted former Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Director-General Nela Charade G. Puno of graft charges related to a 2018 raid on a 'natural medical center'.

The Sandiganbayan Third Division ruled that the prosecution failed to prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt, citing insufficient evidence.

In its decision issued on Nov. 7, the court found Puno not guilty of bad faith, gross negligence, and grave abuse of authority for closing a 'cancer treatment center', noting that Bunch was given an opportunity to explain her side and that prior warnings were issued against the sale of unregistered products.

The complaint was filed by a medical doctor who claimed that Puno's actions harmed patients and employees, but Sandiganbayan noted that FDA accepted and considered Bunch’s motion for reconsideration after shutting down the facility.

Puno served as FDA chief during the Rodrigo Duterte administration until she was sacked in May 2019 amid corruption allegations.