Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 2) — The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) clarified Thursday that it is not barring direct donations to government offices, private hospitals, and frontliners fighting the coronavirus pandemic.
President Rodrigo Duterte recently tasked the OCD with the consolidation and management of all medical supplies and equipment donated to the government.
In a statement, the OCD said Administrative Order no. 27 “does not bar direct donations to other departments, bureaus, offices, state colleges or universities, government-owned or -controlled corporations (GOCCs), or government hospitals or medical facilities.”
“AO 27 merely directs donees to inform OCD of their received donations to ensure equitable allocation and distribution of assistance,” the OCD said, adding that private individuals can directly help their chosen frontliners and hospitals.
“They are most welcome to do that and their efforts will be much appreciated,” it added.
The OCD’s statement was made in the wake of allegations on social media that it had raided some hospitals and confiscated their stocks of personal protective equipment so that they can be donated by certain politicians to other facilities.
The OCD has denied the accusation, stressing that Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, the politician alluded to in many posts, does not interfere with its tasks.
Go earlier belied social media posts that his office has been labeling boxes of medical donations with his name.
“We are well-informed through our communication with their office that Senator Go connects private donors directly to their intended beneficiaries and helps facilitate the delivery of the donations,” the OCD said.
Donations have poured in after hospitals and medical workers bewailed the lack of protective gear in handling patients with COVID-19.
The Philippine Medical Association said at least 17 doctors have died after contracting the virus due to the shortage of protective equipment.
The Philippines now has 2,633 confirmed coronavirus cases, with 107 deaths and 51 recoveries.
