Palace to Hontiveros: File charges if you have proof of overpriced PPEs

Malacañang on Thursday advised opposition Senator Risa Hontiveros to file charges against people and entities behind the allegedly overpriced China-made personal protective equipment (PPEs).

“Bukas po ang Ombudsman, bukas po ang DOJ [Department of Justice]. Kung mayroon po kayong ebidensiya, magdemanda po kayo,” presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said in a televised briefing.

Hontiveros had alleged that the government incurred about P1 billion in losses as PPE sets from China cost around P1,700 to P2,000 while the price estimates of the Philippine General Hospital ranges only from P1,200 to P1,500.

However, the Procurement Service of the Department of Budget and Management (PS-DBM) said the Philippines actually saved around P800 million by dealing directly with manufacturers and accredited distributors.

Roque added the purchases took place while the country was under strict COVID-19 restrictions, which led to the temporary closure of many businesses.

“Iyong mga panahon na iyon nagsisimula pa lang po iyong mga lokal na kumpanya na mag-produce ng PPE na sa pamamagitan ng pag-angkat ng mga imported materials nga po at dito ginagawa,” Roque said.

“So iyong mga panahon na iyon wala naman tayong choice kung hindi bumili rin ng mga imported PPE.”

Roque also said there was an “absolute transparency” regarding the government’s purchase of PPEs.

The PS-DBM has requested Hontiveros and the PGH to name local suppliers who supposedly could offer an eight-piece PPE set last April 1 to May 15, 2020, at a price lower than P1,772.58 — the lowest price procured by the agency during that period.

“As of date, no response was received from the Office of Senator Hontiveros and PGH. It should be supported with full confirmation that those companies are compliant to the required certificates and licenses and are responsive to the delivery schedule as specified by the DOH,” the PS-DBM said. —LDF, GMA News