DOH to ‘respect all legal proceedings’ in graft case vs Duque

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Health (DOH) said on Saturday that it would “respect all legal proceedings” in the ongoing graft case of former Health Secretary Francisco Duque III.

“The DOH respects all legal proceedings and will act accordingly,” DOH Assistant Secretary Albert Domingo said in a message to reporters.

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Domingo issued the comment in response to the recommendation of the Office of the Ombudsman on Friday to file graft cases against Duque and former Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Undersecretary Christopher Lao in connection with the alleged anomalous purchase of COVID-19 supplies in 2020.

The case also stemmed from the DOH’s action to transfer P41 billion to the DBM for the purchase of COVID-19 supplies.

READ: Ombudsman denies appeal of ex-DBM exec Lao on Pharmally case

In the Ombudsman’s decision, it said that Duque and Lao were liable for “grave misconduct and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service,” it added.

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Meanwhile, the Ombudsman also dismissed the complaints against Ma. Carolina Taiño, Myrna Cabotaje, Roger Tong-an, Leopoldo Vega, Napoleon Arevalo, Enrique Tayag, Filpina Velasquez, Lorica Rabago, and Crispinita Valdez.