Senate panel denies former PS-DBM OIC Lao's bid for clearance to travel abroad

The Senate blue ribbon committee on Thursday denied the request of Lloyd Christopher Lao, former officer-in-charge of the Department of Budget and Management-Procurement Service (PS-DBM), for a clearance to lift his immigration lookout bulletin.

During the committee hearing on the alleged overpriced laptops procured by the Education Department, committee chairman Sen. Francis Tolentino said 10 senators voted to deny the request, five voted to grant it, while two abstained.

“The Committee has decided to deny the request of Usec. Lao by virtue of a vote of 10 for the denial, 10 senators for the denial, five senators granting the request, and two senators not participating,” Tolentino said.

“Let the committee secretary issue the necessary letter to former Usec. Lloyd Lao as well as the appropriate government agencies,” he added.

According to Tolentino, Lao previously sent his office a letter asking for clearance indicating that he is no longer facing any contempt charges. He said Lao also sought his removal from the immigration lookout bulletin.

In September 2021, the Department of Justice issued an immigration lookout bulletin order for Lao and seven other individuals amid the then-ongoing Senate probe into the alleged irregularities in the purchase of pandemic-related supplies by the Department of Health, which was also made through PS-DBM. 

Meanwhile, Education Undersecretary Alain Pascua was not able to attend the hearing after testing positive for COVID-19, according to his counsel.

“He tested positive for COVID. In fact, last Monday his wife also tested positive and he has been suffering from symptoms. That’s why he took the test yesterday and he tested positive for COVID,” Atty. Winston Chua, Pascua’s counsel, said. 

Chua said Pascua undertakes to be available at the next hearing. —KBK/RSJ, GMA News