The Office of the Ombudsman has filed a graft case against former Health Secretary Francisco Duque III and former Procurement Service executive director Lloyd Christopher Lao for alleged irregularities involving a P41.46-billion fund transfer during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The case, lodged at the Sandiganbayan on August 27, accuses them of violating the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act by causing undue injury or giving unwarranted benefits.
Duque has denounced the charges as a “great injustice.” Both Duque and Lao were also found guilty of grave misconduct and conduct prejudicial to the service, leading to a penalty of dismissal converted to a fine due to their departure from their respective positions.
The complaint stems from a 2020 COA report and subsequent Senate investigations, which identified deficiencies in the DOH’s handling of COVID-19 funds.
Source : PhilNews24 | August 30, 2024
