‘We deserve the truth,’ says doctors group on alleged anomalies in COVID-19 goods purchase

The Philippine College of Physicians (PCP), along with other medical groups, demanded accountability and transparency in the alleged anomalies in the procurement of COVID-19 supplies.

In a strongly-worded statement on Thursday, PCP said it is "utterly outraged" by the alleged corruption related to the purchase of personal protective equipment.

"While we risk our lives taking care of the Filipino patients without regard to any political leanings, it is loathsome to hear that there may be people who exploit the situation," the group said.

The organization further said they "deserve to know the truth" about the issue.

"We cannot remain silent, nor will we sit and watch these allegations just unfold us," it added.

As PCP calls for "transparency, exigency and accountability" in the investigation, it called on the Senate to conduct the inquiry swiftly "with utmost diligence with objective of getting the truth behind alleged corruption."

"If there is substantive evidence, Senate must pass the case to Department of Justice. If found to have probable cause, DOJ must conduct an impartial and thorough investigation of the case," it said.

IT added that the Ombudsman should file appropriate cases against all those responsible for corruption.

The Senate blue ribbon committee is conducting a probe into the Department of Budget and Management-Procurement Service's procurement of P8.6-billion worth of face masks, face shields, and PPEs from Pharmally Pharmaceutical Corporation. 

Pharmally garnered several contracts despite only having P625,000 paid-up capital, according to Senator Franklin Drilon.

Senator Richard Gordon, who heads the Senate panel, had vowed that they will not stop the probe amid attacks from President Rodrigo Duterte.

The House committee on good government and public accountability also conducted hearings on the DOH procurement of pandemic supplies. 

Duterte, meanwhile, issued a memorandum to stop his Executive officials from attending the Senate probe.—LDF, GMA News