The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) is set to submit required documents on Thursday after the Office of the Ombudsman issued a subpoena to probe alleged irregularities in the response against COVID-19.
The subpoena compelled the DBM and Department of Health (DOH) to show the special allotment release orders (SARO) of cash benefits allotted to families of frontline health workers who died of COVID-19. The Ombudsman will also investigate the delay in the procurement of personal protective equipment and other medical supplies, and the delay in the reporting of COVID-19 deaths.
DBM Secretary Wendel Avisado earlier said the DOH can answer how the funds were utilized instead of the DBM, but assured they are prepared to adhere to the Ombudsman’s order to clarify the issue on alleged irregularities.
“Bukas nga, sa pagkakaalam ko, isusumite na naming ‘yong mga dokumento na hinihingi sa amin ng Office of the Ombudsman (From what I know, we will submit tomorrow the documents required by the Office of the Ombudsman),” Avisado shared.
