Locsin claims medical supplies in Customs warehouses; BOC denies holding release

The Philippines' top diplomat has claimed medical supplies such as personal protective equipment (PPEs) are being kept in Customs warehouses, but the bureau says it has been expediting the release of such supplies to the public.

According to Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro "Teddy Boy" Locsin Jr., local medical personnel looking for PPEs may proceed to Customs warehouses.

"If PGH and other frontline medical personnel are looking for PPEs, they are in Customs warehouses, tons of them. Go get them there. PGH is an arm of government and entitled to take them," he said in a post on his official Twitter account late Sunday evening.

If PGH and other frontline medical personnel are looking for PPEs, they are in Customs warehouse, tons of them. Go get them there. PGH is an arm of government and entitled to take them.

— Teddy Locsin Jr. (@teddyboylocsin) March 15, 2020

In response, however, the Bureau of Customs (BOC) denied that it was holding the release of medical supplies in its warehouses.

"In the midst of issues that Bureau of Customs (BOC) is holding and delaying the release of essential medical supplies and equipment in its warehouses, the BOC clarifies that there is no such incident at any of its ports or warehouses," it said in an emailed statement on Monday.

"The Bureau assures the public that the processing of shipments containing medical supplies and relief goods are being done expeditiously especially during this time of emergency. The Bureau also activated a BOC Assistance Desk to expedite the clearance and immediate release of said shipments," it elaborated.

Meanwhile, Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III added that the Finance Department was informed by the PGH itself that the problem was due to the PPE supplier.

"Upon further investigation from their end (PGH), the problem was with their supplier (not BOC nor the importer)," Dominguez said in a message quoting the DOF Chief of Staff.

The Philippine General Hospital (PGH) has called for donations of much-needed medical supplies, including protective equipment, given the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). --JST, GMA News