The Office of the Ombudsman has dismissed the administrative charges against former health secretary Francisco Duque III related to the transfer of P41.46 billion from the Department of Health to the Procurement Service of the Department of Budget and Management in 2020.
A 10-page order granted Duque’s motion for reconsideration, stating he was no longer a subject of the complaint after leaving his post on June 30, 2022.
The Ombudsman found no evidence that Duque’s departure was made in bad faith, as it was due to the end of his coterminous appointment.
The ruling rendered the administrative issues moot, negating the need for further arguments.
Duque had previously been found guilty of grave misconduct and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service, but the decision has now been overturned.
Source: PhilNews24 | October 15, 2024
