(Eagle News) — Seven Department of Health officials on Friday sued for libel a former health consultant who accused them of being part of a “mafia” allegedly engaged in corruption in the agency.
Undersecretary Maria Carolina Vidal-Taiño, Undersecretary Gerardo Bayugo, Undersecretary Lilibeth C. David, Financial and Management Service Director Laureano C. Cruz, Health Promotion and Communication Services Director Mar Wyn C. Bello and Assistant Secretary Nestor F. Santiago filed the complaint against Dr. Francisco Cruz before the Manila Prosecutors Office.
According to the officials, Cruz’s allegations were “totally false, baseless, unfounded, fabricated.”
“The statements and imputations made by Dr Cruz caused dishonor, discredit, or contempt not only upon our persons… but also as career officers of the DOH,” they said.
This is the second libel complaint filed against Cruz.
Earlier, Philippine Children’s Medical Center executive director Julius Lecciones sued the former consultant over the same comments.
Cruz has alleged the DOH “mafia” composed of 19 officials and led by former Health Secretary Janette Garin benefited from the procurement of the controversial anti-dengue vaccine Dengvaxia.
Garin has denied the allegations.