The Office of the Ombudsman has ordered a six-month preventive suspension order against five officials of the Department of Health (DOH) over the late releasing of benefits of healthcare workers amid the pandemic.
In an order signed on Tuesday, Ombudsman Samuel Martires preventively suspended Health Undersecretary Roger Tong-An, Kenneth Ronquillo, Maylene Beltran, Laureano Cruz, and Esperanza Carating for six months without pay due to neglect of duty and inefficiency as government officials.
The order only addressed the issue of the alleged delay in releasing benefits to health workers, the first action made by the Ombudsman since the investigation was opened in June.
However, Martires said that the overall probe regarding the Department's supposed irregularities on COVID-19 response was still ongoing.
The Ombudsman formed investigation teams last June to look into the delayed procurement of physical protective equipment (PPEs) and other items needed for the protection of medical frontliners, and the reported lapses and irregularities that led to the death of health workers.
Other issues include the department’s inaction in the release and processing of financial assistance to infected and “fallen” medical workers, as well as the “confusing and delayed” reporting of COVID-19 deaths and confirmed cases.
The probe was based on the recommendations of Assistant Ombudsman Caesar D. Asuncion, Assistant Ombudsman Joselito P. Fangon, and Assistant Ombudsman Jose M. Balmeo Jr.
Martires previously said that investigators faced difficulties during the early part of the probe as some DOH officials refused to cooperate.
With this, Martires authorized the filing of necessary criminal or administrative charges against any official or employee who fails or refuses to comply with the Ombudsman’s legal processes, orders, and requests.
Any DOH official or employee who willfully obstructs or hinders the conduct of the investigation or even anyone who misleads the Ombudsman investigators will likewise be charged.