DOH exec faces graft complaint as bro allegedly bags project worth P140M

MANILA, Philippines — An undersecretary of the Department of Health faces a graft complaint filed in the Office of the Ombudsman on Thursday over allegations of conflict of interest after his brother reportedly bagged over P140 million worth of infrastructure projects, including hospitals, during the official’s term.

Health Undersecretary Matthew Baggao was the subject of a 13-page complaint filed by a group only identified as “Concerned Health Workers” to urge the anti-graft body to investigate the official and issue a preventive suspension against him.

“As Concerned Health Workers, we raise a red flag and call for action regarding the appointment of Undersecretary Glen Matthew Baggao as the head of the Health Facilities Enhancement Programs,” the complaint stated.

They alleged that Baggao, who was appointed as the Health undersecretary for the Public Health Services Cluster in 2024, is “guilty” of Republic Act 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act “for manifest partiality and glaring conflict of interest.”

READ: Marcos bares 15 contractors bag P100-B flood control deals: ‘Disturbing

They alleged that EGB Construction, a company reportedly owned by the respondent’s brother Erni Baggao secured five infrastructure projects — three of which are hospitals— worth P140.99 million in 2025.

According to the complaint, the biggest project the construction company bagged is the Oriental Mindoro Central District Hospital worth P63.1 million.

The complaint further stated that the company also secured four health infrastructures in Isabela namely, Manuel A. Roxas District Hospital and Echague District Hospital worth P29.9 million each; Divilacan Super Health Center worth P11.9 million; and Moconacon Super Health Center worth P5.9 million.

Complainants noted that the DOH transfers Health Facilities Enhancement Program (HFEP) funds to the Department of Public Works and Highways, which then acts as the procuring entity and implementing agency.

“Respondent, as Head of the HFEP Management Office, has the authority to approve the very health projects and budgets that are then bidded out and won by his brother’s company through the DPWH,” they said.

As of posting, Inquirer is still trying to reach Baggao for comment and we will publish his side once available.

Meanwhile, the complainants also noted that the EGB Construction Corporation was among top 15 contractors cited by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. which secured the most flood control projects. 

They noted that the company receives 20 percent of the entire P545-billion budget for flood mitigation projects. 

Inquirer is also trying to reach EGB Construction Corporation for comment. We will publish their side once available. /jpv