Ombudsman Orders Probe On DOH Chief

Ombudsman Samuel Martires has ordered an investigation of Department of Health Secretary Francisco Duque III and other DOH officials over alleged anomalies in the response to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

- Elizabeth Marcelo

In a text message sent to reporters yesterday, Martires confirmed the creation of two teams that would conduct a joint fact-finding investigation on perceived irregularities surrounding DOH’s handling of the pandemic.

Specifically ordered to be investigated were the DOH’s alleged delayed procurement of personal protective equipment (PPE) and other medical gear needed by healthcare workers, and other supposed “lapses and irregularities” that led to the death or infection of several frontliners, including doctors.

Also ordered to be investigated were the DOH’s supposed inaction in the processing and release of financial assistance and other benefits for the fallen and infected medical frontliners as well as the “confusing and delayed” reporting of COVID-related deaths and confirmed cases.

Martires said this is on top of his office’s ongoing investigation since March on the DOH’s purchase of alleged overpriced COVID-19 testing kits as well as the supposed intentional delays in the use of more affordable, locally made kits developed by the University of the Philippines.

Martires said all the investigations are motu proprio or self-initiated by the ombudsman.

Under Republic Act 6770 or the Ombudsman Act of 1989, the ombudsman has the power to launch an investigation against any official or employee of the government suspected of committing illegal acts, even without any formal complaint.

“A few weeks prior to the lockdown of March 15, the Office of the Ombudsman through its Field Investigation Office started to conduct an investigation but our investigators were given a runaround by some DOH officials and personnel by referring us from one department or office to another,” Martires said.