Ombudsman eyes COA auditor as witness vs Duque, Lao

Ombudsman prosecutors have petitioned the Sandiganbayan to permit a Commission on Audit representative to testify regarding the alleged failure to deliver critical medical supplies during the pandemic. The case centers on the controversial transfer of P41 billion from the Department of Health to the Procurement Service of the Department of Budget and Management. Prosecutors argue that this testimony is vital to proving the mismanagement of funds, despite the defense's objections regarding the relevance of delivery delays to the graft charges.

During the proceedings, the court also heard from a Senate records official who confirmed the existence of transcripts from previous legislative inquiries into the fund transfer. However, the witness clarified that she lacked direct knowledge of the specific graft allegations against former Health Secretary Francisco Duque III and former Budget Undersecretary Lloyd Christopher Lao. The court has ordered both legal teams to formally submit written arguments to resolve the dispute over the admissibility of the audit testimony.

The case highlights issues of accountability and transparency regarding the government's multi-billion peso expenditure on emergency medical supplies during the COVID-19 pandemic.