By Arjay L. Balinbin, Reporter

MALACAÑANG on Wednesday said the Department of Justice (DoJ) will look into corruption allegations against dismissed Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Director-General Nela Charade G. Puno.

“Perhaps in the coming days, according to [Health] Secretary [Francisco T.] Duque [III], the findings of the CoA (Commission on Audit), as well as other documents, have been forwarded to the Department of Justice for evaluation and for the filing of whatever charges that the Department may find to be appropriate,” Presidential Spokesperson Salvador S. Panelo said in a press briefing on Wednesday afternoon.

He added: “The President also wants to share to the public that he has received numerous, as in numerous, complaints from doctors, including his own doctor, about the former director-general. And many complaints, coming from many sectors. And the Palace is just awaiting the submission of sworn statements, which shall be forwarded to the Department of Justice.”

Asked about the nature of complaints from doctors, he said: “I think, corruption. How? I don’t know…. Let’s wait for the sworn statements coming from the so-called victims.”

In a statement on May 17, Ms. Puno said she did not have any “ill feelings” about her dismissal but she took exception “to the mention of so-called ‘corruption allegations.’”

“I have not been charged in any legal proceedings nor am I aware of any official investigations being undertaken in relation to corruption involving me. Of course, if there will be any such allegations forthcoming, I am more than ready to face these in any forum,” she said.

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