Ombudsman Remulla to review Pharmally case

Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla said Thursday his office would review the alleged overpriced purchase of P4.4 billion worth of personal protective equipment and surgical face masks from Pharmally Pharmaceutical Corporation during the coronavirus pandemic.

Remulla said the Office of the Ombudsman will look into the controversy as it seems to have been "forgotten." 

"Pero hindi dapat makalimutan talaga itong mga ganitong kaso kasi alam natin mabigat ang alingawngaw at marami nagsasabi na may nangyari nga masama doon," he said in a briefing following his oath-taking ceremony as the new Ombudsman.

(But cases like these should really not be forgotten because we know the rumors are serious, and many are saying that something bad really did happen there.)

"Mayroong naging pagdinig ang Senado ngunit hindi na umandar mula doon. Kailangan bisitahin natin," he added.

(The Senate held a hearing, but it didn't progress from there. We need to revisit it.)

In May 2024, the Ombudsman said it was unlawful for the DOH to transfer P41 billion to the Department of Budget and Management's Procurement Services (PS-DBM).

It ordered the filing of charges against former Health Secretary Francisco Duque and former Budget Undersecretary Christopher Lao.

Last week, three former PS-DBM officials pleaded not guilty in connection to the alleged overpriced purchase.

Asked if cases may be filed against former President Rodrigo Duterte over the Pharmally controversy, Remulla said he did not know yet as this will depend on the evidence.

"Hanggang saan tayo abutin ng ebidensya, doon tayo tutungo," he said.

(We will go where the evidence takes us.)

Remulla, however, said he would prioritize the investigation into anomalous flood control projects. — VDV, GMA Integrated News