The Office of the Ombudsman has started its investigation on the complaint filed by the Hospital Watch on alleged anomalies and irregularities at the Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Regional Hospital.

The Corruption Prevention Unit, which forwarded the complaint to the Ombudsman, was informed that a subpoena has been sent to the chairman of the hospital's Bids and Award Committee, Fr. Aniceto Buenafe of Social Action-CPU said yesterday.

Investigation has started and we expect the investigator assigned to the case to be in Bacolod City this week, Buenafe also said.

Jack Pamine of the Hospital Watch said they will also convene this week to update their members on developments of their complaint. While the Department of Health is also conducting an investigation on alleged irregularities at the hospital, the Hospital Watch said it believes that an Ombudsman investigation is needed.

In its complaint, the group questioned the capability and credibility and of the DOH, including Secretary Francisco Duque III, to conduct an honest probe on issues against the CLMMRH management.

The group cited irregularities in the bidding procedure of hospital supplies, chronic delay and shortages in the release of personnel salaries, overcharging of patients, conspicuous lifestyle and questionable wealth of certain hospital officials, and abuse of power and discretion of hospital chief Dr. Domingo Vega.

Meanwhile, CLMMRH chief administrative officer Bryan Baylon, who was ordered suspended by Vega for 90 days before a transfer order approved by by Duque, said he will file this week a petition for certiorari and preliminary injunction before the Court of Appeals.

Baylon's lawyer Jerry Basiao said they will question the legality of the suspension order and seek his reinstatement at the CLMMRH.

Duque approved transfer orders for Vega, Baylon, and chiefs of clinic Dr. Benito Bionat while DOH investigates reported violations on hospital procurement rules.

A management team, headed by Dr. Jaime Bernadas, has been appointed to supervise the management of CLMMRH.*NAB

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