Ombudsman orders probe on DOH chief

MANILA, Philippines — 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.

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-propio 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.

“In view thereof, the Joint Investigation Team is authorized to file the necessary criminal and/or administrative case against any official or employee who fails or refuses to comply with the legal processes/orders/requests of the Joint Investigating Team,” he added.

Martires said the joint investigation team is also authorized to file criminal and administrative charges against any DOH official or employee who would “willfullly obstruct or hinder” the conduct of the ongoing and upcoming investigations as well as those who would “willfully mislead or attempt to mislead the Office of the Ombudsman.”

Senators expressed support for the Office of the Ombudsman order to investigate Duque.

Sen. Bong Go, who chairs the Senate committee on health, said the probe is part of the constitutional duty of the ombudsman.

“The Filipino people deserve a fair and impartial investigation in order to shed light on these alleged anomalies and also for concerned officials to have an opportunity to clear their name. The people have the right to know the truth,” Go said.

“As a legislator and as chair of the Senate committee on health, I have reiterated numerous times amid this global health crisis that funds made available to address the COVID-19 pandemic and the needs of our people at this crucial time must be accounted for up to the last centavo,” he said.

Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon expressed support for the probe as the public should exact accountability and transparency from government officials over the handling of the pandemic.

He said he saw irregularities or negligence in the purchase of PPE and even in the pricing of Philippine Health Insurance Corp.’s COVID-19 test package.

“The lapses they committed have exposed to risk the welfare of the entire nation. Secretary Duque, in particular, has failed in his job. The people have every right to demand accountability,” Drilon said.

“The fight against COVID-19 is far from over. The ombudsman’s intervention should remind our officials to fulfil their responsibilities with utmost integrity and honesty. You cannot escape accountability,” he said.

Sen. Panfilo Lacson said it was about time that Duque was investigated by the ombudsman.

“I can only hope that this time around, the investigation will bear fruit and find those concerned liable and suffer the consequences of their misdeeds in taking advantage of the COVID-19 crisis for self-aggrandizement,” Lacson said.

IATF consultant quits

Asked to resign, Dr. Anthony Leachon announced yesterday that he quit his post as special consultant of the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF).

Leachon posted on his Twitter account yesterday that he resigned from the task force.

“It’s with deepest regret that I announce that I am not anymore the Special Adviser of National Adviser-COVID-19 effective today (June 17). I have my full respect for Secretary Charlie Galvez and we will remain as good friends. Lots of good memories. But I have to move on,” he said.

In an interview with CNN Philippines, Leachon noted he discussed on Thursday night his resignation with Galvez, chief implementer of the national policy on coronavirus disease.

“I was asked to resign but it is in acceptance on my part. I have highest respect for Sec. Galvez and I don’t want to be a burden to him,” he added.

Leachon believes that the falling out stemmed from his tweets and Facebook comments last Saturday about the DOH’s lack of focus in terms of their priorities, goals, data management, real-time granular data, risk strategic communication and execution of plans.

“That was episodic emotional outburst as a private citizen but not in any way to criticize in a negative way. I feel it was a constructive comment to help the agency shape up, knowing that it is not business as usual. We are in a crisis situation,” he said.

Leachon added his manner of communication with the public “which is truthful and transparent, open and straightforward might not be aligned with the communication strategy of the Palace.” Paolo Romero, Sheila Crisostomo, Cecille Suerte Felipe