Ombudsman Samuel Martires has confirmed that criminal charges have been filed before the Sandiganbayan against former Health Secretary Francisco Duque III and Lloyd Christopher Lao, the former executive director of the Procurement Service of the Department of Budget and Management (PS-DBM).
The charges involve violations of RA 3019, also known as the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, in connection with the transfer of P41.464 billion in Department of Health (DOH) funds to PS-DBM between March and December 2020.
Prosecutors allege that the fund transfer caused financial damage to the government due to the 4 percent service fees imposed by PS-DBM. These fees amounted to P1.659 billion, despite the lack of inventory of supplies and equipment—a primary requirement for such transactions.
The Sandiganbayan clarified that the graft charges are bailable offenses. The anti-graft body recommended a bail of P90,000 for each of the accused.