Ombudsman to decide on fate of DOH chief
MANILA, Philippines — It’s up to the Office of the Ombudsman to decide if newly appointed Health Secretary Jose Pujalte Jr. should be placed under preventive suspension after a graft complaint was filed against him on Wednesday, according to Malacañang.
“If the case is in the ombudsman, that is within the jurisdiction of the ombudsman to determine whether a preventive suspension is needed to fast-track the investigation of the said complaint,” Palace press officer Claire Castro told a media briefing yesterday.
Castro has no information on whether President Marcos and Pujalte have discussed the matter that stemmed from a complaint alleging that the health chief ordered the suspension of procurement of anti-tuberculosis commodities worth P3 billion for this year.
Pujalte said he is open to any investigation by the ombudsman after the graft complaint against him was filed by a group of health advocates, who requested anonymity.
Pujalte said he respects the mandate of the ombudsman and is prepared to cooperate and submit relevant documents and records required by the investigation.
The health advocates accused Pujalte of violating Republic Act 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act for issuing a memorandum ordering the suspension of the procurement of tuberculosis drugs.
In the 18-page complaint, they alleged that Pujalte delayed the bidding process to benefit an unnamed supplier.
The DOH chief has denied the allegations and maintained that conducting due diligence should not be misrepresented as an attempt to stop the government’s tuberculosis program or deprive patients of access to necessary medicines.
“The DOH’s review of the proposed P3 billion procurement of tuberculosis commodities is needed to protect patients and public funds. It is intended to ensure that the procurement process is responsive to the needs of tuberculosis patients, transparent, and compliant with the law,” Pujalte said in a statement.
He added that the department remains committed to maintaining access to safe and effective medicines while safeguarding public funds
“It’s been (nearly) 30 days since I assumed office but they want the approval of the P3 billion TB procurement fast-tracked without any thorough evaluation. That is the P3 billion of the Filipino people, it is not as simple as that. The lives of the people are at stake here,” Pujalte said.
Pujalte, who replaced Teodoro Herbosa as chief of the Department of Health only last July 13, is also facing allegations that he was seen gambling in two resort casinos in Parañaque City. – ** Rhodina Villanueva**
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