Makabayan bloc seeks probe into deficiencies in handling of P67-B DOH funds

Facade of the DOH main office in Manila. INQUIRER.net file photo

MANILA, Philippines — The Makabayan bloc is seeking an investigation into the alleged deficiencies in the handling of the P67.32-billion funds of the Department of Health (DOH).

Bayan Muna Rep. Carlos Zarate said the House committee on accounts and the committee on good government and public accountability should conduct an investigation after the Commission on Audit (COA) found deficiencies in how the DOH managed its P67.32-billion fund to fight the COVID-19 pandemic.

Zarate likewise said they would scrutinize the budget of the DOH during the deliberations for the national budget for 2022.

“Tutunggaliin din po natin ito pagdating sa budget deliberations dahil ang pondo po nito ay kabahagi ng budget nung budget na hiningi nila noong nakaraang taon,” Zarate said in a press briefing.

“Ito nga, nakita natin maraming mga issue na P67 billion ay hindi ito maliit na budget, napakalaking pondo nito na kung nagamit ng maayos ay para ito sa kapakinabangan ng mamamaya, it couldve saved more lives,” he added.

COA’s annual audit report for DOH in 2020 revealed that the deficiencies are caused by non-compliance with pertinent laws and regulations, which led to missed opportunities for the department primarily tasked with managing the pandemic.

These issues, COA said, cast doubt on the regularity of transactions while keeping much-needed funds at bay and unspent.

Duque, meanwhile, assured that all transactions of the DOH are accounted for and documented, otherwise officials and employees would go to jail.

READ: Duque: ‘We would go to jail if not all DOH transactions are documented’