MANILA, Philippines — Former health chief Francisco Duque III is set to file a motion for reconsideration of the order of the Office of the Ombudsman fo r the filing of graft charges against him over the alleged irregular transfer of over P41 billion for the procurement of personal protective equipment (PPE) for COVID-19.
“We will file a motion for reconsideration. It could be Monday or at the latest, Tuesday,” Duque said in a text message.
Duque served as chair of the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) during the previous Duterte administration.
He said he and other officials used the “whole of government approach” to address the COVID-19 pandemic.
Aside from Duque, the ombudsman also ordered the filing of graft charges against former budget undersecretary Christopher Lao.
The former health chief cited Republic Act 9184, the Bayanihan Law 1 and 2, the General Appropriations Act and Executive Order 359 mandating the Procurement Service-Department of Budget and Management or PS-DBM, which Lao headed, to procure common-use supplies and equipment for national government agencies, as legal basis for the transfer of funds.
Meanwhile, the Department of Health (DOH) vowed in a statement to abide by the legal processes governing the issue of PPE procurement. “The DOH respects all legal proceedings and will act accordingly.”
MANILA, Philippines — Creamline’s long reign could be likened to ancient d ynasties that have stood the test of time.
And the mighty Cool Smashers have no plans of relinquishing it anytime soon.
On the cusp of another glorious ending, the proud franchise tries to wield the scepter of Premier Volleyball League power for another conference by finishing off a title-starved Choco Mucho today at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The seven-time league champions survived a potential Game 1 collapse by hanging tough and sniped a 24-26, 25-20, 25-21, 25-16 victory from their younger siblings for a 1-0 lead in their short but sweet title series.
If they end up victorious in Game 2 set at 6 p.m. before an expected mammoth crowd, the Cool Smashers will collect championship trophy No. 8 and the tag as the best dynasty Philippine volleyball has ever seen.
But the path to success was not without perdition as Creamline had to overcome inner struggles and the meteoric rise of other teams like the Sisi Rondina-powered Flying Titans.
Jema Galanza, a popular figure and one of Cream line’s most lethal weapons, vowed to persevere.
“Hindi ito ‘yung Creamline na kilala niyo,” said Galanza, whose star shone brightest after uncorking 20 points in the opener. “
Choco Mucho, for its part, would need to forget about its harrowing Game 1 experience and focus solely on forcing a decider, on Tuesday at the same venue.
Ganun talaga, hindi naman kami perfect at tumataas din level ng competition, gumagaling players at teams.”
“Ang hirap maging consistent, ang hirap maging champion every conference. Pero makikita mo sa bawat isa sa amin na gusto namin makuha ito,” said Galanza.
Choco Mucho, for its part, would need to forget about its harrowing Game 1 experience and focus solely on forcing a decider, on Tuesday at the same venue.