Contradicting Duque, Roque says gov't won't probe alleged overpriced PPEs

Malacañang on Tuesday rejected allegations that the government purchased overpriced personal protective equipment for medical workers who are on the frontlines in the fight against the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

In a televised briefing, presidential spokesperson Harry Roque Jr. said the government will not conduct an investigation on the matter since there were no irregularities in the purchase.

“Wala pong overprice pagdating po sa mga [personal protective equipment],” he said. “Nagbigay din ng opinyon ang mga pribadong mga doktor na talagang wala pong irregularity, walang overprice doon sa PPE kasi set po ‘yan.”

Roque's statement was contrary to that of Health Secretary Francisco Duque, who earlier in the day told a Senate inquiry that the Department of Health and the Procurement Service of the Department of Budget and Management are on the initial stages of a joint investigation on the alleged overpricing. 

Meanwhile, Roque said President Rodrigo had already directed the National Bureau of Investigation to look into a couple that supposedly offered overpriced medical equipment such as automated extraction machines and test kits to the government.

“Inutusan po ng Presidente na imbestigahan ang bagay na ito lalung-lalo na iyong issue ng profiteering dahil ‘di umano ay mayroong mga pribadong mga kumpanya na nagsasamantala sa pangangailangan natin ng PCR machines at PCR test kits na isang paglabag sa Bayanihan Law dahil ito po ay tinatawag na profiteering or kumikita sa isang national emergency,” he said.

Senator Grace Poe earlier questioned why the one million PPE sets procured by the Department of Health cost P1,800 each when the Office of the Vice President was able to procure PPEs for only P400 to P1,000.

However, the DOH said the PPEs it purchased were complete ones meant to ensure that health workers are protected while providing care for COVID-19 patients.

According to COVID-19 task force chief implementer Carlito Galvez Jr., the set includes a medical-grade PPE suit, military-grade goggles, a face mask, and shoe and head covers.

He also said that the purchase of PPEs and medical supplies had undergone a “very rigid procurement process.” -MDM, GMA News