Health Secretary Jose “Brix” Pujalte Jr. stated on Wednesday that he is ready to respond to any Office of the Ombudsman investigation regarding a complaint lodged against him by health advocates.
The group petitioned Ombudsman Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla for a prompt inquiry and requested that Pujalte be placed under preventive suspension while the investigation proceeds.
The allegations center on claims that the Health chief directed the freezing or suspension of government procurement for tuberculosis (TB) commodities.
Calling for his dismissal from public service, the complainants urged prosecutors to file graft charges alongside administrative counts of grave misconduct, grave abuse of authority, and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service.
Pujalte noted in a statement that he has yet to receive an official copy of the filing from the Ombudsman’s office.
“Gayunpaman, handa po kaming sagutin ang anumang reklamo sa tamang proseso at sa tamang forum kung kinakailangan,” the Health chief said.
The Health secretary, who has previously refuted separate allegations concerning gambling, took office after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. appointed him on July 13 to succeed Teodoro Herbosa.
Herbosa vacated the post for health reasons following knee surgery and subsequent rehabilitation.