MANILA – A group identifying itself as Concerned Health Workers has filed complaints before the Office of the Ombudsman against Health Undersecretary Glen Matthew Baggao over alleged conflict of interest involving government infrastructure contracts awarded to his brother’s construction company.

In a report, it said that the complaints include two counts of graft, as well as alleged violations of the Procurement Law and the Code of Conduct for Public Officials and Employees.

The group alleged that since Baggao was appointed head of the Department of Health’s Universal Health Care–Health Services Cluster (UHC-HSC) in July 2025, the construction firm owned by his brother, EGB Construction Corp., secured five government infrastructure projects worth PHP140.99 million.

According to the complaint, three of the projects were from the Department of Public Works and Highways, while two were from the Isabela provincial government.

“In 2025 alone, EGB Construction secured five health projects worth P140.99 million, including the Maconacon Super Health Center and Divilacan Super Health Center in the respondent’s immediate area of influence as head of the UHC-HSC. Respondent is guilty of Section 3(e) of R.A. 3019 (Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act) by accepting a designation that gives him direct control over funding for health infrastructures while his brother, Erni, who owns EGB Construction, aggressively captures contracts within the same sector,” the complaint read.

“As head of the UHC-HSC, Respondent coordinates with LGUs to implement the health sector’s eight-point agenda, granting him the power to prioritize funding for facilities in regions where EGB Construction has an established operational foothold,” it added.

The group also noted that EGB Construction is among 15 contractors earlier identified by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. as having received a share of the PHP545-billion flood mitigation budget.

The complainants further alleged that when Baggao was chief of the state-run Cagayan Valley Medical Center, EGB Construction was awarded a PHP28.91-million COVID-19 facility project through negotiated procurement, which they described as a “clear pattern of partiality.”

“By setting specific technical hurdles or localized political requirements, Respondent can effectively ‘rig’ the procurement environment in favor of his brother’s company,” the complainants said.

They also cited a 2019 resolution from the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Ilocos Norte recommending the blacklisting of EGB Construction following reported defects in a DPWH revetment project in Sarrat, Ilocos Norte.

“We raise a red flag and call for action regarding the appointment of Undersecretary Baggao since his appointment threatens the integrity of our nation’s health system and puts billions of pesos at risk,” the complainants said.

“A swift and decisive action is not only warranted but absolutely necessary to protect public funds and ensure that every peso allocated to hospitals truly serves the Filipino people,” they added.

In response, Baggao said he has yet to receive a copy of the complaint but expressed confidence in the legal process.

“I am yet to receive the copy of the complaint. I have just learned of this development but should this indeed be the case, we respect the process before the Office of the Ombudsman and remain confident that we will be able to address the matter at the proper time,” Baggao told GMA News Online in a text message.

“[I am saying this] with assurance that all actions undertaken in the course of our work were carefully studied and carried out in accordance with applicable laws and rules,” he added.

The complainants also urged Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla to revoke Baggao’s authority over the Health Facilities Enhancement Program (HFEP) and to issue a preventive suspension while the investigation is ongoing.