DOH maintains transparency; welcomes Ombudsman probe vs Duque, others

Health Secretary Francisco Duque III. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO / GRIG C. MONTEGRANDE

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Health (DOH) on Tuesday said it welcomed the order of the Office of the Ombudsman to investigate its head, Secretary Francisco Duque III, and other officials over supposed irregularities in the coronavirus pandemic response.

In a statement, the DOH also maintained that it has always been transparent in the response to the pandemic, and will “willingly cooperate” with authorities.

Ombudsman Samuel Martires said that he ordered the investigation against DOH executives to determine the circumstances surrounding the purchase of 100,000 test kits and other concerning test kits developed by the University of the Philippines.

Other matters to be looked into is the alleged inaction of the department regarding the release and processing of benefits and financial assistance for medical frontliners who have contracted COVID-19, and “confusing and delayed” reporting of COVID-19-related deaths and confirmed cases.

But in defense, the DOH said it maintained a “regular reporting” of cases and deaths through press briefings, situation reports and in its COVID-19 tracker.

“As firm believers of transparency, the Department has likewise religiously informed the public for corrections and clarifications raised by all sectors as it continues to validate all submitted data,” the DOH said.

The DOH also said that it already issued checks to kins of the 32 medical frontliners who died in the line of duty while battling COVID-19.

“New claims to said benefits are being processed to this day,” the DOH added.

“DOH officials will willingly cooperate with the authorities to ensure utmost transparency throughout the duration of the investigation and beyond,” the department said.

JPV