Senate inquiry on allegations vs DOH to continue amid Duque’s absence

Sen. Richard Gordon. INQUIRER.net FILE PHOTO / CATHY MIRANDA

MANILA, Philippines — The Senate blue ribbon committee’s first hearing into the alleged conflict of interest of Health Secretary Francisco Duque III will push through despite the latter’s absence, Senator Richard Gordon said on Saturday.

“That’s correct. Ang gusto ko mabilis ang hearing pagkatapos niyan siguro kung pwede lang Friday gagawin ko. I-schedule lang natin,” Gordon said over local radio station DWIZ when asked if the probe will continue despite Duque’s absence.

The Senate blue ribbon committee is set to begin next week its inquiry into the alleged corruption hounding the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) and Sen. Panfilo Lacson’s accusation against Duque.

Lacson accused Duque’s conflict of interest after a company owned by the Health secretary’s family obtained contracts with the Department of Health (DOH).

READ: ‘Trusted’ Duque faces Palace, Senate probes

With this, Gordon said he will be “firm and fair” on the investigation of Duque’s conflict of interest, noting that the DOH chief should attend the next hearing.

“Kay Secretary Duque, I will be firm and fair although kung hindi siya makakarating sa unang hearing, dahil may ginagawa din siya. I think lalabas din siya,” Gordon said.

“Darating at darating yan hindi pwedeng hindi humarap,” he added.

The senator also noted that he invited Duque’s family to attend the Senate probe. /jpv

READ: Senate probe of Duque may start next week – Gordon