Lloyd Christopher Lao Biography: Wikipedia, Age, Career, Wife, Net Worth, Arrest, Controversies, Family

admin September 19, 2024

Lloyd Christopher Lao Biography

Lloyd Christopher Lao is a former undersecretary in the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) of the Philippines and was the Officer-in-Charge of the Procurement Service (PS-DBM) during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. He gained significant public attention due to his involvement in the Pharmally Pharmaceutical Corporation scandal, which revolved around the procurement of overpriced medical supplies, such as personal protective equipment (PPE) and COVID-19 test kits, during the pandemic. Under his leadership, Pharmally was awarded around P8.6 billion in contracts despite concerns over the company’s capabilities and links to former President Duterte’s former economic adviser, Michael Yang.

Lao was recently arrested in Davao City on September 18, 2024, following a warrant issued by the Sandiganbayan (the Philippines’ anti-graft court). He faces charges of graft, connected to the allegedly illegal transfer of PHP 41.4 billion from the Department of Health (DOH) to PS-DBM for the procurement of COVID-19 supplies. His involvement in the scandal led to investigations by the Philippine Senate and a series of complaints from both former Senators Richard Gordon and Risa Hontiveros, who have been vocal about his role in the mishandling of public funds.

Lloyd Christopher Lao Age

Lloyd Christopher Lao is estimated to be in his mid 40s.

Lloyd Christopher Lao Hometown

Lloyd Christopher Lao is originally from Davao City, Philippines.

Lloyd Christopher Lao Educational Background

Lloyd Christopher Lao has a solid educational background, which laid the foundation for his career in public service and law. He earned his law degree from Ateneo de Davao University, where he also completed his graduate studies.

Lloyd Christopher Lao Career

Lloyd Christopher Lao has had a prominent career in both the legal and public sectors in the Philippines. A lawyer by profession, Lao completed his law degree at Ateneo de Davao University, where he also taught at the College of Law. His career began in the public service, holding various key roles. He served as the Chief Executive Officer and Commissioner of the Housing and Land Use Regulatory Board (HLURB), where he contributed to regulatory policies in the real estate sector.

In 2016, Lao was appointed Undersecretary in the Presidential Management Staff under the Office of the Special Assistant to the President (then headed by Senator Bong Go). This position marked his transition into higher levels of government, where he gained further experience in management and administration.

In 2020, Lao was appointed the Officer-in-Charge (OIC) of the Procurement Service at the Department of Budget and Management (PS-DBM). In this position, Lao oversaw critical procurement processes, including government contracts for various sectors. His tenure at PS-DBM was marked by efforts to modernize and improve efficiency in the government’s procurement system, upgrading technology and inventory management.

Before these key roles, Lao also served as an Arbiter for the HLURB in the Southern Mindanao Region and worked closely with local government offices on issues related to housing and settlement ethics. His career in public service spans various sectors, from housing and urban planning to government procurement.

Lao’s expertise extends beyond administrative roles. He has a deep interest in human rights, urban planning, and national security issues, which influenced his approach to governance. His work across different branches of the government reflects a commitment to both legal and public sector reforms.

Lloyd Christopher Lao Controversies

The Pharmally Scandal

Lloyd Christopher Lao’s most high-profile controversy centers around the Pharmally Pharmaceutical Corporation scandal, which surfaced in 2021. During his tenure as the Officer-in-Charge of the Procurement Service (PS-DBM), Lao was implicated in awarding contracts worth P8.6 billion to Pharmally, a relatively unknown and undercapitalized company, for the procurement of COVID-19 medical supplies such as face masks, personal protective equipment (PPE), and test kits. The contracts were questioned due to allegations of overpricing, with medical supplies reportedly procured at significantly higher rates than market prices. The Senate investigation, led by Senators Richard Gordon and Risa Hontiveros, found that Pharmally’s financial capabilities were inadequate, raising suspicions of favoritism and irregularities in the procurement process.

The Illegal Transfer of DOH Funds

Another significant controversy involving Lao relates to the transfer of PHP 41.4 billion from the Department of Health (DOH) to PS-DBM, also during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Commission on Audit (COA) flagged this transaction, stating that it lacked necessary legal documentation such as memorandums of agreement or certificates of liquidation. This transfer was reportedly intended for the procurement of various medical equipment and supplies for pandemic response, but COA’s findings pointed out multiple irregularities. These issues were further examined during Senate hearings, with lawmakers questioning why the DOH, which had the capacity to undertake the procurement, delegated it to PS-DBM, under Lao’s leadership.

Arrest and Legal Proceedings

In September 2024, Lao was arrested in Davao City following a warrant issued by the Sandiganbayan for his involvement in the Pharmally scandal. The warrant was issued for violations of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, with graft charges related to the procurement of COVID-19 supplies and the transfer of funds from the DOH. Lao’s arrest marked a significant development in the ongoing legal proceedings against him. The Office of the Ombudsman had earlier ordered the filing of graft charges against both Lao and former Health Secretary Francisco Duque III, as they were found guilty of grave misconduct and conduct prejudicial to the public interest.

Lloyd Christopher Lao Wife and Children

We do know that Lloyd Christopher Lao is married, however, details regarding his wife and children are not publicly disclosed.

Lloyd Christopher Lao Net Worth

Lloyd Christopher Lao has an estimated net worth of ₱45 million in 2024.

FAQs

Who is Lloyd Christopher Lao?

Lloyd Christopher Lao is a former undersecretary in the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), known for his role as the Officer-in-Charge of the Procurement Service (PS-DBM) during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

What role did Lloyd Christopher Lao play during the pandemic?

Lao was in charge of overseeing the procurement of COVID-19 supplies, including face masks, PPE, and test kits, which led to significant public scrutiny over alleged overpriced contracts awarded to Pharmally Pharmaceutical Corporation.

Why was Lloyd Christopher Lao arrested?

In September 2024, Lao was arrested in Davao City due to graft charges stemming from his involvement in the illegal procurement of medical supplies during the pandemic.

What is the Pharmally scandal?

The Pharmally scandal involved the awarding of multi-billion peso contracts to an undercapitalized company, Pharmally, for COVID-19 supplies, which were allegedly overpriced. Lao’s involvement in these contracts has been a central point of investigation.

What positions has Lloyd Christopher Lao held in government?

Before his role in PS-DBM, Lao served as the CEO and Commissioner of the Housing and Land Use Regulatory Board (HLURB) and as Undersecretary in the Presidential Management Staff.

What charges is Lloyd Christopher Lao facing?

Lao is facing charges of graft and corruption related to the illegal transfer of PHP 41.4 billion from the Department of Health to PS-DBM and the alleged overpricing of medical supplies.

What is Lloyd Christopher Lao’s connection to former President Duterte?

Lao has been linked to former President Rodrigo Duterte, having served as an aide to Senator Bong Go, a key ally of Duterte.

Why did the Senate order Lao’s arrest?

The Senate ordered Lao’s arrest in 2021 after he failed to appear at hearings investigating the Pharmally scandal. He was later cited for contempt by the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee.

What other controversies is Lloyd Christopher Lao involved in?

Besides the Pharmally scandal, Lao was also implicated in the overpricing of laptops procured by the Department of Education for public school teachers.

admin September 19, 2024