MANILA, Philippines — CIBAC Party-List Rep. Bro Eddie Villanueva strongly supports the Office of the Ombudsman’s decision to file graft and corruption charges against former senior government officials implicated in the mismanagement and misuse of COVID-19 funds during the pandemic.

The Ombudsman has charged former Department of Health (DOH) Secretary Francisco Duque III and former Department of Budget and Management Procurement Service (DBM-PS) Executive Director Lloyd Christopher Lao with graft, alleging significant irregularities in the transfer and utilization of P41.46 billion from the DOH to the DBM-PS in 2020.

“We express our full support and solidarity with the Office of the Ombudsman in pursuing justice for the Filipinos against those who looted public funds during the pandemic. May the Ombudsman show no mercy to those who conspired to rob the Filipino people,” Rep. Bro. Eddie stated.

Rep. Eddie Villanueva views this initiative as a significant advancement in the ongoing battle against corruption, a cause that CIBAC has steadfastly championed since its establishment in 1997.

“This action of the Ombudsman is a crucial step in tilting the momentum of the anti-corruption crusade of the government. There should be no sacred cow when the interest of the people is at stake,” he added.

Villanueva advocates for a government that upholds good governance through transparency and accountability, aiming to build public trust and ensure officials act with integrity and responsibility.

“Righteousness and justice are the foundation of God’s throne. Our government, being just an extension of God’s seat of power, must be similarly founded on the same,” he expressed.

Ombudsman prosecutors have alleged that Duque authorized the transfer of P41 billion without the necessary memorandum of agreement. They claim that required certifications for the liquidation of previous funds were not submitted before the release of new funds.

The amount was intended for procuring essential medical supplies for the pandemic, including surgical masks, detection kits, personal protective equipment, and mechanical ventilators.

In addition, the Ombudsman noted that Duque and Lao’s actions were particularly concerning because the illegal fund transfers took place during a national health emergency. Their conduct negatively impacted the reputation of the Department of Health (DOH), the Department of Budget Management Procurement Service (DBM-PS), and public service as a whole.

The Office of the Ombudsman has recommended a bail amount of P90,000 each for Duque and Lao.

Duque described the case as “unfair and the injustice hurts,” expressing confidence that he will demonstrate his innocence before the Sandiganbayan. He maintains that the transfer of funds from the DOH to PS-DBM during the national public health emergency was both lawful and proper.

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