7 DOH execs also sue ex-health consultant over ‘mafia’ allegation

Dr. Francis Cruz attends the Senate proceeding that investigates the Dengvaxia mess. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO / LYN RILLON

Another complaint for libel has been filed against a former health consultant who accused officials of the Department of Health (DOH) of being part of “mafia” like group involved in corruption.

The complaint against Dr. Francisco Cruz was filed on Friday before the Manila Prosecutors Office by seven incumbent officials of the DOH, namely:

-Undersecretary Maria Carolina Vidal-Taiño,

-Undersecretary Gerardo V. Bayugo,

-Undersecretary Lilibeth C. David,

-Assistant Secretary Nestor F. Santiago,

-Financial and Management Service Director Laureano C. Cruz,

-Disease Prevention and Control Bureau Director Maria Joyce U. Ducusin, and

-Health Promotion and Communication Services Director Mar Wyn C. Bello

“Kami ay nagfa-file ng libel laban kay Dr. Francisco Cruz sa kanyang paratang sa amin na kami daw ay miyembro ng ‘mafia’ ng DOH na wala naman at hindi totoo,” Bello told reporters.

This is the third complaint for libel against Cruz.

The first complaint was filed by Philippine Children’s Medical Center Executive Director Julius Lecciones followed by DOH Assistant Secretary Lyndon Lee Suy and Ducusin.

Cruz, along with the Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption (VACC), has filed criminal complaint against former President Benigno Aquino III, former Health Secretary Janet Garin and several others in connection with the Dengvaxia vaccine purchase.

Cruz, on the other hand, already said he was already expecting these cases will be filed against him.