Ombudsman probe sought into DOH exec’s biz class trip to Switzerland

MANILA, Philippines — A health workers’ group has asked the Office of the Ombudsman to investigate Health Secretary Ted Herbosa and an undersecretary for potential graft over a state-funded business-class trip to Switzerland.

In a letter dated June 4, the Alliance of Health Workers (AHW) urged the Ombudsman to conduct an “immediate, unsparing investigation” into Herbosa and Health Undersecretary Albert Francis Domingo.

On Tuesday, Domingo said he welcomes the calls for a probe.

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The AHW push for a probe comes after Herbosa’s issuance of Department Personnel Order No. 2026-2590-A on May 11, which upgraded Domingo’s travel from economy to round-trip business class airfare to Geneva, Switzerland, where the 79th World Health Assembly was held on May 17–23.

“There is no operational necessity for an undersecretary to be pampered in business class,” the AHW said. “An economy seat does not diminish a bureaucrat’s capacity to sit through a conference or represent the country.”

AHW also said Herbosa and Domingo are allegedly liable under Section 3(e) of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.

“By demanding and receiving a luxury flight upgrade, Usec. Domingo received an unwarranted private benefit, and Sec. Herbosa caused direct financial injury to the government through manifest partiality and evident bad faith,” they added, citing provisions of the anti-graft law.

Domingo said the probe will clarify government regulations and procedures.

“I welcome the push for an investigation as that will clarify government regulations and procedures,” Domingo said in a statement. “Looking forward to it.”

The Inquirer sought Herbosa for comment, but he has yet to respond as of posting. /mcm