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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Ex-DMB exec charged for alleged illegal transfer of Covid-19 fund arrested in Davao City

Ex-DMB exec charged for alleged illegal transfer of Covid-19 fund arrested in Davao City

Published Sep 18, 2024 09:49 am

lloyd christopher lao.jpg

A CIDG operative serves the arrest warrant issued by the Sandiganbayan against former undersecretary and Procurement Service-Department of Budget and Management (PS-DBM) head Lloyd Christopher Lao in Davao City. (photo: CIDG)

 

Operatives of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) arrested a former government official that was linked to alleged anomalous transfer of multi-billion funds at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020.

CIDG director Maj. Gen. Leo Francisco said Lloyd Christopher Abellana Lao was collared in Ecoland, Davao City based on the arrest warrant issued by the Sandiganbayan for violation of the Republic Act No. 3019 (Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act).

The case, however, is bailable with P90,000.

“The CIDG remains steadfast in its mission to combat corruption and ensure that those responsible for graft and misconduct are held accountable. This operation is part of the broader government initiative to restore public trust and uphold the integrity of public service,” said Francisco.

Lao was a former undersecretary and officer-in-charge of the Procurement Service-Department of Budget and Management (PS-DBM) when the irregular transfer occurred.

Also charged was former Health Secretary Francisco Duque for allegedly authorizing the transfer of the P41 billion fund from the Department of Health to the office headed by Lao.

Based on the information from the Sandiganbayan, the fund was for the procurement of medical supplies for the pandemic, including detection kits, nucleic acid extraction machine, mechanical ventilator, personal protective equipment, surgical mask, cadaver bag, and various test kits. 

The Ombudsman earlier said that Duque’s authorization of the fund transfer was not in accordance with the memorandum of agreement and that the required certifications of liquidation of previous transfers prior to the subsequent release of funds were not submitted.

It added that the transfer occurred when the DOH had the capacity and proficiency to undertake the procurement.

Francisco said Lao was fully informed of the nature of the charges against him and was apprised of his constitutional rights in a language he understood. 

Following proper protocol, Lao was transported to the CIDG Regional Field Unit 11 office for documentation and further legal proceedings, according to the CIDG chief.

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