Ombudsman: DOH gave probers runaround in investigation of test kit purchases

Ombudsman Samuel Martires on Wednesday said the Department of Health (DOH) gave his office the runaround when it sought data and documents on the procurement of some 100,000 test kits for the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in March.

According to Joseph Morong’s report on “24 Oras,” Martires ordered his staff to file the necessary charges against Health Secretary Francisco Duque III and other health officials if found liable.

The Ombudsman ordered a motu proprio investigation

"When we wanted to get some documents, some data, who are the persons, wala. pinagturu-turuan lang kami," Martires said.

"Kaya ngayon, seryoso ako ngayon, ituro-turo mo kami? Ah! Kakasuhan ka kaagad. Hindi ako nagbibiro ngayon,” he added.

The Ombudsman added that the probe will cover all health officials ”who are involved in this whole mess.”

The Ombudsman earlier cited the following reasons why he ordered a probe on the DOH:

• purchase of 100 thousand test kits by the DOH,
• delayed procurement of personal protective equipment and other medical gears necessary for the protection of healthcare workers,

ADVERTISEMENT

• alleged lapses and irregularities that led to the death of medical workers,
• rising number of deaths and infected medical frontliners,
• inaction in the release processing of benefits and financial assistance of “fallen” and infected medical frontliners, and
• confusing and delayed reporting of COVID-19 related deaths and cases

Martires added that he wants the investigation to give special attention to the deaths of health workers from COVID-19.

"Itong ngayon na maraming namamatay na mga doctors, especially government hospitals and healthcare workers. 'Di naman puwede na ipikit ang mata natin 'di ba? So sino ang nagpabaya? Kailangang malaman natin,” he said.

Martires also said the DOH’s distinction between “fresh” and “late” cases when reporting new COVID-19 infections is confusing.

“Parang niloloko mo ang taong bayan. Hindi ito biruan kasi e. We're not just talking here about how many houses were blown away by the typhoon 'di ba? We're not talking here of how many bridges were destroyed,” he said.

“We're talking here of lives. We're talking here of the safety of the people,” Martires added.

The DOH said it welcomed the Ombudsman’s probe, adding that it has always been transparent in its reporting of COVID-19 data as well as on the procurement of medical supplies and equipment. -NB, GMA News