Francisco Duque III FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines – A group of health workers expressed dismay over the Ombudsman’s dismissal of administrative charges against former Health Secretary Francisco Duque III in the alleged anomalies on the purchase of billions of pesos worth of COVID-19 supplies.

“We in Health Workers Party-list express our disappointment over the Ombudsman’s dismissal of the administrative case against former Department of Health Secretary Francisco Duque III in relation to the anomalous Pharmally deals,” it said in a statement on Friday.

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“The Ombudsman’s decision disregards the suffering of the health workers and the people during the COVID-19 pandemic. This will further embolden negligent public officials and enable the lack of accountability in government.”

The Ombudsman previously found Duque guilty of grave misconduct, conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service, and gross neglect of duty.

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However, in an order dated September 30, Ombudsman Samuel Martires granted Duque’s motions for reconsideration, where he maintained that the fund transfer was “brought about by genuine urgency” and cited his separation from service.

The Health Workers Party-list added, “With the dismissal of the administrative case, Duque will no longer be subject to the previous administrative penalty of removal from the service with forfeiture of retirement benefits and perpetually disqualified from reemployment in the government.”

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