Pangilinan Asks If It Is ‘Steal As One’ In Procurement Of Medical Supplies
PANGILINAN – Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan called for an investigation into alleged overpricing of anti-COVID medical supplies.
Pinoys are panic buying face masks, alcohol, and toilet papers after hearing about the first 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19) death in the country. The government called on the people to stop selling overpriced medical supplies amid the crisis.
Earlier this month, the Joint Task Force COVID-19 Shield said they have arrested 800 Filipinos hoarding and selling overpriced medical items. Major General Guillermo Eleazar the biggest number of violators were from Luzon.
Based on a report from CNN Philippines, Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson said on Sunday, May 17, that billions of pesos of taxpayers’ money go into the pockets of corrupt public officials. He accused the politicians of allegedly purchasing overpriced personal protective equipment (PPE)
Earlier, Senator Grace Poe revealed that 1 million sets of protective gear that the DOH bought were allegedly overpriced by much as P1.4 billion. DOH Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire denied Poe’s allegations.
According to the report, Senator Francis Pangilinan said on Monday, May 18, that the alleged overpricing of medical items for the Philippine government’s campaign to stop the spread of the deadly virus should be investigated. He asked if it is “steal as one” in the purchasing of medical supplies.
“Gusto rin nating malaman ang katotohanan tungkol dito. ‘Steal as one’ ba ang nangyayari sa pagbili ng mga anti-COVID medical supplies?”
“It’s unconscionable how some individuals could even think of exploiting the purchase of medical supplies for their selfish ends, if reports are true.”
“By jacking up prices of supplies such as swab kits and personal protective equipment, we get less units that what is needed, depriving the people and medical front-liners of the defenses they need to fight COVID-19,” he added.
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