Duterte defends P8.3 billion PPE procurement

President Rodrigo Duterte defended the government's multi-billion peso procurement of personal protective equipment (PPE) last year, asserting that no corruption was involved.

Duterte stated that the purchase was authorized under the Government Procurement Reform Act and the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act, which allow for negotiated procurement during calamities.

He explained that Section 53 of the Procurement Reform Act permits negotiated procurement in situations of imminent danger to life and property during a state of calamity.

The President further clarified that the Bayanihan law grants the president the authority to implement emergency measures in response to crises like the COVID-19 pandemic.

Duterte asserted that his first order was to buy all necessary supplies immediately, even without bidding, to save doctors' lives, taking full responsibility for this decision.

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque, Jr. stated that the price of PPEs presented during the Senate hearing was misleading, as it was obtained months after the pandemic began when supply had increased and prices dropped.

The Senate blue ribbon committee is currently investigating the PPE procurement, with some senators alleging overpricing and questioning the links of Pharmally Pharmaceuticals Corporation to individuals associated with Duterte.