Duterte defends Duque, says gov't to release report on COVID-19 procurements

President Duterte announced that the government will release an official report regarding the procurement of medical supplies for the COVID-19 response to address speculations of fund misuse.

The President stated he authorized the purchase of necessary medical supplies regardless of cost during the early stages of the pandemic and takes full responsibility.

Duterte specifically mentioned that Senators Franklin Drilon and Panfilo Lacson raised concerns about allegedly overpriced medical equipment purchased by the government.

He defended Health Secretary Francisco Duque III, clarifying that the Office of the President and the Budget department, not Duque, directly ordered the procurement.

The President asserted that the local supplier, accused of offering lower prices, did not participate in the bidding and even proposed a higher cost to the government.

Duterte urged the public to await the official report before believing baseless allegations and expressed hope that the senators would also accept the report.

He also reiterated his call to remove the lowest-bid rule in government procurement, citing it as a major source of corruption.