Photo courtesy from CIDG

Former Budget Undersecretary Lloyd Christopher Lao, who has been in hot water for allegedly favoring a supplier and awarding P4 billion worth of COVID-19 test kit contracts, was recently arrested in Davao City. According to local authorities, Lao, who has been under scrutiny for his involvement in the pandemic procurement deals, now faces graft charges.

The controversy centers around accusations that Lao conspired to award these massive contracts to a favored supplier during the height of the pandemic, a time when the nation was in desperate need of medical supplies. Many have questioned the integrity of the deals, suspecting corruption at the highest levels.

Senator Risa Hontiveros didn’t mince words following Lao’s arrest. She expressed relief that Lao is now in the custody of the law and called on him to finally reveal the truth behind the scandal. In her statement, she said, “Oras na para harapin mo ang mga kaso laban sa yo. Ngayong nasa kamay na siya ng batas, aminin na rin sana niya kung sino nga ba ang 'big boss' na may pakana at nakinabang sa korapsyon sa bilyon-bilyong COVID-19 funds."

The senator emphasized that Lao and his accomplices must be held accountable for their alleged abuse of public funds during a time when many Filipinos were suffering from illness, hunger, and joblessness due to the pandemic. She added, "Finally, Atty. Lao's arrest should serve as a lesson to all who misuse and abuse their public positions to serve evil ends."

Lao’s arrest has brought renewed attention to the handling of pandemic funds, with many demanding transparency and justice for those involved. The public now awaits what will come next, hoping for answers on who else might have played a part in the misuse of the COVID-19 funds.

As the case unfolds, all eyes are on Lao, with growing pressure for him to name the "big boss" behind this alleged corruption scheme.