Breaking News: A Step Forward in the Graft Case Against Former Health Secretary
In a moment that could change the course of the ongoing graft case, the Sandiganbayan welcomed two key Department of Health (DOH) officials to testify against former Health Secretary Francisco Duque III and former Budget Undersecretary Lloyd Christopher Lao. This comes in light of the alleged illegal transfer of a staggering P41 billion in DOH funds during the COVID-19 pandemic.
A Major Decision by the Anti-Graft Court
On a pivotal Monday morning, the anti-graft court’s First Division granted Dawnavi Lacsado and Abegail Conchada—administrative officers within the DOH procurement unit—the chance to share their insights. Despite a motion from the defense team seeking to disqualify their testimonies, the court recognized the importance of their voices in shedding light on a complex issue.
Their accounts could ultimately clarify their roles in the DOH’s procurement operations, especially concerning the work of the COVID-19 Vaccination Plan (COVAC) Secretariat during the pandemic—a time fraught with challenges and decisions that impacted millions.
Defense’s Concerns and Prosecution’s Stand
The defense lawyers raised eyebrows, suggesting that the officials’ testimonies would simply echo what others had already stated. They argued this repetition could compromise the accused’s right to a speedy trial. But the prosecution strongly countered, asserting that the defense’s motion to disqualify the two officials lacked both factual and legal ground.
As the courtroom buzzed with anticipation, Lacsado and Conchada faced cross-examination from the defense. Both confirmed they played crucial roles within the COVAC Secretariat. Yet, when pressed about their knowledge of high-level policy decisions, they maintained they did not have the information needed to answer questions about whether the DOH should leverage its own procurement unit or turn to the Procurement Service of the Department of Budget and Management (PS-DBM).
But the moment became tense when Lacsado responded to a question about her responsibilities, stating firmly, “No,” when asked if she only handled document compilation. This was a clear indication that they were more involved than their prior statements suggested.
Challenges During a Crisis
Conchada also touched on the operational hurdles faced during the pandemic. She acknowledged that while the COVAC teams worked diligently, logistical challenges, such as internet connectivity, led to a reduced member attendance at meetings—a ripple effect of a global crisis impacting the flow of crucial information and decision-making.
Next Steps in the Legal Journey
As the hearing wrapped up, the court requested additional time for the prosecution to outline the purpose of presenting each of the 54 witnesses they had listed. The prosecution committed to submitting the judicial affidavits of these witnesses five days before the next hearing, scheduled for November 9.
For now, Duque and Lao remain out on bail, as more hearings are set for November 23 and January 28, 2027. Each proceeding will bring new revelations and developments that will shape the future of this case—and perhaps, the trust of the public in their leaders.
Stay tuned for more updates as this significant story unfolds, and make sure to follow on Facebook for real-time news and developments both in the Philippines and around the globe.
