Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa is facing criminal and administrative complaints before the Office of the Ombudsman over “unprecedented wave of whimsical reassignments, arbitrary designations, and sudden reversals of personnel orders” within the department.
The Concerned DOH Employees filed the complaints, implicating officer-in-charge Assistant Secretary Dr. Albert Francis Domingo, officer-in-charge Director IV of the Bureau of International Health Corp. Dr. Joel Buenaventura, and Director of Health Promotion Bureau Ma. Kristina Marasigan.
The complainants said the respondents must be held accountable for violations of provisions under the Republic Act No. 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act and RA 6713 or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees.
The petitioners asked the Ombudsman to hold the accused liable for oppression, grave misconduct and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service.
The complaints against Herbosa stemmed from the reported P1.3 billion unliquidated funds transferred in 2024 to the United Nations Children’s Fund for the purchase of life-saving vaccines and essential drugs.
They accused the DOH chief of playing favorites in the appointment of less-qualified allies and removing other health officials of legitimate duties.
The Ombudsman has not yet commented on reports it has suspended Herbosa, which Malacañang already denied. Domingo also described the “unverified” reports on Herbosa’s suspension as “fake news.”
Herbosa and other health officials were also charged with graft that stemmed from the agency’s purchase of P44.6-million worth of drugs allocated to the Rotary Club of Quezon City Circle. The group did not have the authority or license to dispense psychiatric medicines.
