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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Implementation of cancer programs 'transparent, aboveboard'---Vergeire

Implementation of cancer programs 'transparent, aboveboard'---Vergeire

Published Feb 14, 2023 05:56 pm

DOH Officer-in-Charge Maria Rosario Vergeire speaks to members of the media during the first face-to-face press briefing after two years at the DOH Central Office in Manila on Wednesday, July 20. (MB Photo: Noel Pabalate)

The implementation of cancer treatment programs of the Department of Health (DOH) is being done in a “transparent manner,” said DOH Officer-in-Charge Maria Rosario Vergeire.

Vergeire made the statement after it was reported that she has been included in the complaint against six other DOH officials at the Office of the Ombudsman for the alleged mismanagement of funds for the cancer treatment programs of the department.

“Gusto ko lang pong bigyan ng assurance ang ating mga kababayan, lahat po na ginagawa natin na proseso para sa ating mga programa, specific dito sa inaakusa na cancer funds, ay above board (I just want to assure our citizens that, everything that we are doing in the process for our programs, specifically here in the cancer funds, is aboveboard),” she said.

“Everything was done in a transparent manner. Hindi lang ang Kagawaran ng Kalusugan ang nagbigay ng direksyon at desisyon dito, isinama natin at isinangguni natin ito sa ating mga eksperto sa National Integrated Cancer Control Council (The Department of Health is not the only one that provide direction and decision here, we included and referred it to our experts in the National Integrated Cancer Control Council),” said Vergeire during a media forum on Tuesday, Feb. 14.

Vergeire said they have yet to receive the copy of the complaint.

"Hanggang sa ngayon, hindi pa namin nakikita ang eksaktong kino-complain about sa amin. Although nakita natin yung statements sa media outings, nakita natin yung mga ina-allege nila (Until now, we have not seen the exact complaints about us. Although we have seen the statements and what they are alleging in the media outings)," she added.

The DOH expressed readiness to respond to the complaints against them.

“We will wait for this complaint to be submitted to our office so we can respond appropriately in the right venue," said Vergeire.

To note, DOH medical officer Dr. Clarito Cairo Jr. first filed graft and malversation charges and administrative complaints against six DOH officials for the alleged mismanagement of funds for the Cancer Supportive-Palliative Medicines Access Program (CSPMAP).

The respondents are DOH Undersecretary Beverly Lorraine Ho, Director IV Razel Nikka Hao, Director IV Anthony Cu, Dr. Kim Patrick Tejano; Dr. Jan Auro Laurelle Llevado; and former Director IV Anna Melissa Guerrero.

Cairo then included Vergeire in his amended complaint-affidavit.

The DOH previously said that its cancer-related policies were aboveboard and was approved by key stakeholders.

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Department of Health (DOH) transparent cancer programs Ombudsman Maria Rosario Vergeire ABOVEBOARD
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