Santa Cruz de Tenerife 23 Jan (Europa Press) –
The former head of the Canarian Health Service (SCS), Conrado Domínguez, exercised his right this Thursday to refrain from testifying before the Canary Islands Parliament Investigation Commission regarding the acquisition of medical supplies during the Pandemic, as he is under investigation by the European Prosecutor’s Office for alleged offences of influence peddling and administrative malfeasance in the ‘Mascarillas Case’.
Domínguez, who also declined to testify before the Senate Investigation Commission, claimed that the judicial proceedings are “confidential” and he has an “express prohibition” against making statements while urging the Chamber to “honour the presumption of innocence.”
He even requested the commission’s president for protection against potential questions that might be “incriminatory” or suggest “criminal behaviours”, although Raúl Acosta made it clear that his status as an investigated individual “does not obstruct” the deputies from “asking questions and conducting inquiries.”
Jesús Ramos (ASG) expressed that his “professionalism is indisputable” and believes that “sooner or later, the truth will emerge”, while the Vox spokesperson, Nicasio Galván, labelled as “obscene” the alleged misappropriation of 100,000 euros purportedly associated with the RR7 contract, arguing that it is unreasonable to engage a company focused on car sales for the supply of masks.
Esther González (NC-BC) underscored Conrado Domínguez’s “knowledge, experience, and competence”, while Fernando Teaching (PP) pointed out his refusal to respond to the questions from the various groups. José Alberto Díaz-Estébanez characterised him and the former director of Economic Resources of the SCS, Ana María Pérez, as the “scapegoat and firewall” of the ‘Flower Pact’.
In fact, he wished Domínguez “luck” in his legal battles, as he at least believes he will be disqualified.
Miguel Ángel Pérez del Pino (PSOE) questioned the “deceitful and disgraceful narrative” that some political groups are attempting to propagate and deemed it a “shame” that Domínguez’s contributions and those of the previous government during the pandemic are not acknowledged.
He justified Domínguez’s presence on the expert committee, citing the importance of mobility and that he is the technical general secretary of the Ministry of Public Works; he also queried who “will offer an apology for the damage done” if Domínguez is ultimately cleared.
The socialist deputy expressed sorrow over the “public and media trial” faced by Domínguez and expressed hope that his phone conversations and many of the messages he received during the Pandemic would be disclosed. “More than one person should feel ashamed,” he added.