Senators seek details on ferrying of medical supplies from China using AFP transports

Senators on Tuesday sought details on the transport of medical supplies from China using Philippine military and naval assets.

During a Blue Ribbon Committee hearing, Senator Imee Marcos said vaccine czar Carlito Galvez Jr. confirmed that the BRP-Bacolod was used to transport personal protective equipment from China.

The PPEs were procured by the government, specifically by the Department of Budget and Management.

“They confirmed that there were 3 flights involving PAL, Cebu Pacific, and C130, and none of these flights were compensated by Pharmally or any of the suppliers,” Marcos meanwhile added.

“Further that May 1 shipment was made by BRP Bacolod by Commodore Rogelio Lachica on May 1st, left for China and collected goods in Xiamen landed in Sapa Port, Davao City.”

Meanwhile, PS-DBM Director Jolas Brutas, based on records of the inspection division, confirmed that planes of the Philippine Air Force were also used to fly in medical supplies from China.

Blue Ribbon Committee chair Senator Richard Gordon said the Senate had asked the Philippine Air Force for flight details.

“I want to inform the group that we asked the Philippine Air Force to send us the details of their flights,” Gordon said.

The Senate is currently looking into the purchase of at least P8.68 billion worth of COVID-19 supplies by the PS-DBM with Pharmally Pharmaceutical Corporation. — DVM, GMA News