Ombudsman suspends 13 Tarlac City officials

TARLAC CITY, Tarlac — The Office of the Ombudsman has ordered the preventive suspension of 13 officials from Tarlac City in connection with an alleged P100-million medicine procurement scam uncovered by government auditors.

In an eight-page order dated July 7 and endorsed on July 18, Ombudsman Samuel Martires said there was “strong evidence showing their guilt,” based on findings from a 2024 special fraud audit conducted by the Commission on Audit (COA). The audit revealed a series of allegedly irregular purchases of medicines and medical supplies between 2017 and 2018, including reports of ghost deliveries, overpriced medicines, unlicensed suppliers, and missing inventory records.

Among the questionable transactions flagged in the audit were P50.8 million worth of deliveries with no inspection records, P7.09 million in overpriced medicines, and acquisitions that were not part of the Department of Health’s approved formulary. COA also found that suppliers lacked proper Food and Drug Administration (FDA) licenses and business permits. In addition, inventory documentation for at least P24.6 million worth of medical supplies could not be located. These actions were deemed violations of multiple laws, including the Government Procurement Reform Act (RA 9184), the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act (RA 3019), and the Anti-Plunder Law (RA 7080).

Among those suspended are City Health Officer Dr. Ma. Carmela Lacsamana-Go, City Treasurer Agnes Torres, City Accountant Roland Domingo, Property and Supply Officer Renato Policarpio Jr., Secretariat Head Cesarina Macuha, Technical Working Group member Tristan Gozum, and Inspection Officer Orlando Gatpolintan. Also suspended are Bids and Awards Committee Chair Romeo de Leon and members Jose Dungca, Numer Lobo, Lorina Ledesma, Reymar Razon, and Emilou Sicangco.

The suspension will last up to six months without pay. According to the Ombudsman, this preventive measure is meant to protect public records and prevent the possibility of influencing witnesses or tampering with evidence. It is also intended to uphold public trust as the investigation continues.

The complaint was filed by five incumbent and former members of the Tarlac City Council. The officials involved allegedly committed the violations during the term of former mayor and current Representative Cristy Angeles.