Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 1)— The alleged overpriced sets of personal protective equipment recently acquired by the Health Department have landed in hot water, with lawmakers now demanding answers on the purchase of the COVID-19 gear.
In a statement, Senator Grace Poe questioned why DOH purchased PPE sets priced at ₱1,800 each, when market value for the product supposedly only ranges from ₱400 to ₱1,000. DOH earlier revealed that the government bought one million set of PPEs at ₱1.8 billion.
“Confronting an extraordinary public health crisis requires prompt response but in doing so, let us not forget the need for the judicious use of fund releases,” Poe said.
The solon likewise appealed to the DOH to coordinate with local manufacturers for the purchase of cheaper PPE.
While the global demand for protective gear has increased amid the pandemic, Senator Joel Villanueva said the controversial purchase would still be worthy to look into.
“The oversight committee can examine the allegation,” Villanueva said in a message to reporters Wednesday.
“We know that the global demand for these equipment (is) increasing, and naturally, their prices will increase and will be greater than what they used to be before the pandemic. But it is also worth examining to see if the price is reasonable.”
Both lawmakers said the amount that could have been saved from the purchase would go a long way, with several Filipinos left jobless due to the Luzon-wide quarantine.
Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson, on the other hand, said the allegation, if proven, would not sit well with Filipinos and even Congress.
“If proven by convincing evidence, and he (President Rodrigo Duterte) refuses to take action… considering that this is a different level of greed and corruption especially at a time of national crisis, Congress as well as the Filipino people may not be forgiving or nonchalant anymore,” Lacson said.
The Health Department, in response to the claims, clarified the PPE sets would come in more complete package, which will include head gear, goggles, N95 masks, gloves, aprons, and gowns.
Medical groups have repeatedly called for donations of protective equipment for the country’s frontliners, with supplies dwindling amid the rapid spike of COVID-19 cases in the country. The Philippine Medical Association previously said deaths could have been prevented if there was enough PPE supply.
READ: Medical group cites protective equipment lack for death of 17 doctors
The Philippines has recorded over 2,000 COVID-19 cases, including 88 deaths and 49 recoveries.
