A group identifying itself as “Concerned Health Workers” has filed a complaint before the Office of the Ombudsman (OMB) against Department of Health (DOH) Undersecretary Glen Matthew Baggao, accusing him of conflict of interest and procurement-related violations involving government-funded health infrastructure projects.

In a complaint filed on April 30, the group sought to hold Baggao liable for alleged violations of Republic Act No. 3019 (Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act), Republic Act No. 6713 (Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees), and Republic Act No. 9184 (Government Procurement Reform Act).

“We urgently demand the immediate intervention of the Office of the Ombudsman in what constitutes a dire and escalating crisis within the Department of Health (DOH). As Concerned Health Workers, we raise a red flag and call for action regarding the appointment of Undersecretary Glen Matthew Baggao as the head of the Health Facilities Enhancement Programs (HFEP). This appointment threatens the integrity of our nation’s health system and puts billions of pesos at risk. The gravity of this situation cannot be overstated—swift and decisive action is not only warranted but absolutely necessary to protect public funds and ensure that every peso allocated to hospitals truly serves the Filipino people,” the complaint read.

Also, the complainants raised concerns over alleged ties between the official and a construction firm.

“Leaving the nation’s multi-billion-peso health infrastructure budget in the hands of an official whose family owns a construction empire — already mired in “ghost project” scandals and Senate investigations — is a recipe for a catastrophic loss of public funds,” they said.

Per the complaint, Baggao has “corollary authority to prioritize infrastructure projects in specific regions and allocate of funds from the HFEP to regional health centers.”

The group cited projects allegedly secured by a construction firm owned by the respondent’s brother.

The group stated: “From the time of his appointment up to present, EGB Construction, owned Erni G. Baggao – Respondent’s brother – secured five health infrastructure projects totaling P140.99 million — three from the DPWH and two from the Isabela provincial government…”

These allegedly include the Maconacon Super Health Center (P5,960,001.49), Divilacan Super Health Center (P11,930,001.78), Oriental Mindoro Central District Hospital (P63,140,219.32), Manuel A. Roxas District Hospital (P29,980,003.49), and Echague District Hospital (P29,980,003.81).

In addition, the group alleged that the respondent has influence over procurement processes and project specifications.

“Respondent has the authority to dictate the technical specifications and ‘Terms of Reference’ for projects. By setting specifications that only a firm with his family’s specific heavy equipment and regional footprint can meet, he effectively ‘rigs’ the DPWH bidding process before it even begins,” the complaint read.

Such actions, the group said, could affect competition in government procurement.

“By signaling a preference for family-linked entities, Respondent discourages legitimate, independent contractors from participating in the bidding process, thereby destroying the ‘competitiveness’ required under Section 3 of R.A. 9184, as amended by RA 12009,” they added.

Apart from criminal charges, the complainants are also seeking administrative sanctions against Baggao.

“Respondent’s untenable workload—managing national programs, a regional hospital, and eight massive regions—guarantees administrative bottlenecks and a lack of oversight. This severely compromises the efficiency and integrity of the DOH,” the complaint stated.

The “Concerned Health Workers” urged the Ombudsman to investigate the allegations and impose preventive measures.

The Manila Bulletin has sought comment from the DOH, but has yet to receive a response as of writing.