The Office of the Ombudsman has listed Sen. Risa Hontiveros and former senator Richard Gordon as witnesses in a graft case against former health secretary Francisco Duque III and ex-PS-DBM executive director Lloyd Christopher Lao.
The case, filed before the Sandiganbayan, involves allegations of irregularities in the transfer of P41.46 billion from the Department of Health (DOH) to the Procurement Service Department of Budget and Management (PS-DBM) for COVID-19 supplies.
The ombudsman accuses Duque and Lao of violating anti-graft laws, claiming the funds were transferred without proper agreements and led to significant financial loss for the government.
The Sandiganbayan has yet to issue arrest warrants, but a P90,000 bail bond has been recommended for each accused.
The investigation was prompted by a 2020 COA report and complaints from Hontiveros and Gordon, highlighting discrepancies and alleged overpricing in the procurement process.
Source : PhilNews24 | August 31, 2024
