THE modernization program for the Region 1 Medical Center (R1MC) in Dagupan that started four years ago resulted in the filing of a case by the Ombudsman before the Sandiganbayan against former Health Secretary Enrique Ona and two other officials of the department.

Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales has found probable cause to charge former DOH Secretary Ona and two other officials Undersecretary Teodoro Herbosa and Assistant Secretary Nicolas Lutero III for the anomalous procurement of the hospital’s modernization program in 2012 intended for R1MC.

The three will be tried by the Sandiganbayan for violation of Section 3(e) of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act (Republic Act No. 3019). They were also found guilty of grave misconduct and ordered dismissed from the service. They were meted the accessory penalties of perpetual disqualification from holding public office with forfeiture of retirement benefits. In case of separation from the service, the penalty is convertible to a fine equivalent to respondents’ one-year salary.

According to Ombudsman Morales, Ona invalidated and declare null and void the proceedings and decisions made by the SBAC without observing the provisions of R.A. No. 9184.

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