Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, August 20) — The Department of Health had tapped the Procurement Service of the Department of Budget and Management (PS-DBM) to purchase COVID-19 vaccines. But the PS-DBM rejected the DOH’s request.
“We actually declined, Mr. Chair, considering that we do not have the capability to handle the nationwide rollout of the vaccines,” PS-DBM officer-in-charge Jason Uayan told lawmakers during a House panel hearing. “We have limitations in terms of manpower, storage requirement plus the technical know-how.”
Uayan’s remarks came after Health Undersecretary Carol Taiño confirmed the DOH wrote to the Government Procurement Policy Board in late January to consider COVID-19 vaccines among common-use supplies and equipment for emergency purchase. The list included items like alcohol, personal protective equipment, testing kits, and common medicines.
Both the agency’s finance management and procurement directors clarified during the hearing that no department funds were transferred to the PS-DBM despite the DOH’s request.
The DOH and PS-DBM were grilled by senators in a separate hearing this week regarding the purchase of “overpriced” face masks and face shields. The DOH transferred over ₱40 billion in COVID-19 funds to the DBM attached agency — a move the senators found questionable.
Health Secretary Francisco Duque said in today’s House hearing that the DOH not only utilized its own bids and awards committee but also other procurement agencies like the PS-DBM and the Philippine International Trading Corporation to help ensure a steady supply of COVID-related items for health workers.
The DOH is currently the subject of multiple probes after the Commission on Audit flagged “deficiences,” which it said affected the agency’s pandemic response.
