DOH stands by officials ordered suspended by Ombudsman | Inquirer News

DOH stands by officials ordered suspended by Ombudsman

/ 12:23 PM October 28, 2020

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Health (DOH) on Tuesday stood by the integrity of five of its officials who were placed under preventive suspension due to the late release of benefits of healthcare workers, as well as the anomalous purchase of personal protective equipment (PPEs) for the COVID-19 medial frontliners.

Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said they were “saddened” by the order of the Office of the Ombudsman that placed the officials under six-month suspension without pay.

Article continues after this advertisement

She pointed out that the DOH executives play a crucial role in their COVID-19 pandemic response.

FEATURED STORIES

“We are supporting our five officials. These officials had been with us for decades already. Nagbigay na po sila ng ganitong sakripisyo at commitment. At integrity-wise, sila po ay mapagkakatiwalaan,” Vergeire told reporters in an online briefing.

“Ang aming hiling lang po ay sana mapabilis ang kasong ito para po makapabalik na sa dati nilang trabaho ang ating mga officials because in this time of pandemic, kailangang kailangan po namin ang mga tao namin,” she added.

Article continues after this advertisement

“These five people are playing critical roles in our response to this pandemic,” she went on.

Article continues after this advertisement

Undersecretary Roger Tong-An, Assistant Secretaries Kenneth Ronquillo and Maylene Beltran, Administrative Services Director Laureano Cruz, and Personnel Services Director Esperanza Carating were suspended to prevent them from influencing or interfering in the ongoing investigation on the issue.

Article continues after this advertisement

“But (this) doesn’t mean that they are already penalized,” Vergeire said.

Nonetheless, the DOH spokesperson assured that the agency will comply with the probe to ensure its swift resolution.

The Ombudsman launched the investigation last June in connection with the “irregularities and anomalies” in responding to the global health crisis.

EDV
Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our daily newsletter

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

For more news about the novel coronavirus click here.
What you need to know about Coronavirus.
For more information on COVID-19, call the DOH Hotline: (02) 86517800 local 1149/1150.

The Inquirer Foundation supports our healthcare frontliners and is still accepting cash donations to be deposited at Banco de Oro (BDO) current account #007960018860 or donate through PayMaya using this link.

TAGS: benefits, COVID-19, DoH, frontliners, hazard pay, Ombudsman, Philippines, PPEs

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our newsletter!

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

© Copyright 1997-2024 INQUIRER.net | All Rights Reserved

This is an information message

We use cookies to enhance your experience. By continuing, you agree to our use of cookies. Learn more here.