Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, September 11) — President Rodrigo Duterte has again come to the defense of the country’s top medical supplier amid the pandemic.
Senators earlier questioned how Pharmally Pharmaceutical Corp. won several contracts worth over ₱8 billion, including those awarded for the supply of alleged “overpriced” face masks and face shields, even though the company only had a paid-up capital of ₱625,000.
“The senators keep looking for the technical and financial requirements of Pharmally. Wala ka nang pakielam diyan (You have no say in the matter),” Duterte said in a taped address aired by the state broadcast network on Saturday.
Duterte also again defended his former economic adviser Michael Yang, who helped Pharmally supply items to the Philippine government.
Duterte said about Yang: “Eh siyempre may negosyo nakikisali, negosyante eh. Anong magawa mo?”
[Translation: Of course, he has a business and wants to be involved. He is a businessman after all. What can you do?]
During the Senate hearing on Friday, Pharmally chairman Huang Tzu Yen admitted their company borrowed money from Yang as they were awarded contracts beyond their financial capacity. But he cannot recall how much. In the same hearing, Yang said he introduced Pharmally to suppliers of medical goods from China. Pharmally director Linconn Ong, meanwhile, said Yang acted as the company’s guarantor to Chinese suppliers.
The President maintained, “no crime” was involved in the procurement of face masks, and other items needed by health workers amid the pandemic, adding he is “willing to resign” if there is corruption in the transactions.
“Iyong Pharmally, what is clear is that there was this contract, there was delivery, kumpleto lahat (everything is complete), specifications at (and) quality, quantity, and all. Tapos after delivery bago pa nagbayad ang Pilipinas (And the Philippines only made payments after the delivery),” he said.
Duterte said the senators just “want exposure” since elections are near. He then threatened to “find what’s wrong” with senators looking into the government’s deals with Pharmally.
“Ganito na lang ang laro natin (Let this be our game). You find fault with us and we will find what’s wrong with you,” he said.
READ: Ex-Duterte adviser Michael Yang lent money to pay for COVID-19 supplies, says Pharmally chief
READ: Pharmally exec detained at home, cites bout with COVID-19
