The Senate Blue Ribbon Committee on Thursday, September 8, denied the request of Christopher Lao, former head of the Department of Budget and Management – Procurement Service, for clearance to travel abroad.
Sen. Francis Tolentino, chairman of the committee, said 10 senators voted to deny Lao’s request. Five (5) senators voted in favor while two senators did not participate in the voting.
The Department of Justice (DOJ) earlier placed Lao on the immigration lookout bulletin following his involvement in the government’s procurement of alleged overpriced COVID-19 supplies with Pharmally Pharmaceutical Corp. during the 18th Congress.
Lao is now facing the panel’s probe again, this time, into the alleged purchase of overpriced but outdated laptop for teachers.
“Let the committee secretary issue the necessary letter to former Usec. Lao as well as the appropriate government agencies...” Tolentino said at the continuation of the Senate probe.