The Department of Health (DOH) is open to any investigation on the preventive suspension order imposed on 5 DOH officials who are facing allegations of ineffectiveness as government officials.
DOH Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire has stated that they were saddened by the accusation and expressed support for DOH USec. Roger Tong-An, Assistant Secretary Kenneth Ronquillo, ASec. Maylene Beltran, Director Laureano Cruz, and Administrative Officer Esperanza Carating. She stands by their trustworthiness as they have been serving the public together for decades.
Under the preventive suspension order imposed by Ombudsman Samuel Martires, the said DOH officials will not be allowed to go to work for 6 months. The health department has clarified that the suspension is not a penalty. It is part of a legal process to prevent accused officials from influencing the course of an investigation.
The suspension order is in response to the issue of the delayed allowances and benefits of health workers. This is the first move taken by the Ombudsman since the start of the investigation in June.
The issue regarding the release of financial assistance for health workers infected by Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) is part of the investigation. As of Oct. 26, 10,936 health workers have been infected by COVID-19 with 70 casualties.
DOH USec. Vergeire has appealed for the quick resolution of the case so that the officials can go back to work once their innocence is proven.
Report from Mark Fetalco
