INQUIRER Global Nation

THE Department of Health in Central Visayas (DOH-7) said it is only waiting for the results of the Ombudsman investigation into the case lodged against the medical personnel involved in the “Black Suede” scandal.

“Last May, we received a communication from the Ombudsman asking that the case be turned over because it is under their jurisdiction. Upon the advice of (DOH) Undersecretary Alex Padilla we turned over the case to the Ombudsman,” Dr. Susana Madarieta, DOH-7 regional director said.

She said she reported this in last Tuesday's congressional inquiry.

“The inquiry was for the bill against discriminatory acts against homosexuals,” Madarieta said.

Dr. Madarieta said she also informed legislators that the Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center (VSMMC) medical staff involved in the scandal have returned to work.

“It was due course. They already served the three-month preventive suspension that was imposed on them,” she said in reference to Carmenia Sapio, Dr. Philipps Leo Arias, Dr. Joseph Montecillo and nursing aide Rose Villanueva.

The DOH-7 imposed suspensions on the four medical personnel following an investigation which showed that they have violated ethical standards.

A video of the operation done on a male florist was uploaded in the video-sharing website YouTube. /Editorial Assistant Ma. Bernadette A. Parco