Duterte orders NBI to probe couple over alleged overpriced medical supplies

President Duterte ordered the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to investigate a local supplier, identified as the Co couple and their company Omnibus Bio-Medical Systems Inc., for allegedly overpricing medical equipment, specifically Covid-19 testing kits and machines.

The directive came after reports surfaced that the couple, as exclusive distributors of Sansure medical equipment, attempted to sell automated extractor machines to the government at a significantly higher price than market value.

Budget Undersecretary Christopher Lloyd Lao noted that Omnibus offered the machine for P4.325 million but lost to a Hong Kong-based firm in a bidding process.

Lao also mentioned that Omnibus previously claimed exclusive distributorship and attempted to sell equipment at a higher price, prompting a recommendation to bypass them and deal directly with the manufacturer, Sansure.

Presidential spokesman Harry Roque supported the probe into the Co couple for alleged profiteering and hoarding, accusing them of trying to 'blackmail' the government.

Duterte expressed strong disapproval of such practices, labeling the traders' greed as 'repulsive' and instructed the NBI to proceed if probable cause is established.

Former Health Secretary Janette Garin had previously called for an investigation into the couple, citing their efforts to hinder the private sector's access to testing equipment unless they purchased overpriced materials from them.