Business · Philippines Bureau
Court rejects Duque's attempt to block DOH officials' testimony
The Sandiganbayan has ruled against a motion by former Health Secretary Francisco Duque III seeking to disqualify two Department of Health officials from testifying in his graft case. The decision clears the way for the witnesses to proceed with their testimony.
LSN Philippines ·
MANILA — The Sandiganbayan First Division on Monday rejected an attempt by Francisco Duque III to prevent two Department of Health officials from testifying against him in a graft case. Duque and former Department of Budget and Management Undersecretary Christopher Lloyd Lao face charges related to alleged irregularities in the transfer of funds. The court's denial of Duque's motion means the DOH officials can now proceed with their testimony in the case. The move marks another procedural setback for the former health secretary's legal team as the case progresses through the anti-graft court. The trial continues to focus on the handling of government resources, with the testimony of current and former DOH personnel considered crucial to establishing the facts of the alleged anomalies.