Duterte orders OCD to manage COVID-19 medical donations

President Duterte ordered the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) to inventory and distribute donated medical supplies for the COVID-19 response through Administrative Order No. 27.

The OCD will consolidate all medical donations intended for the national government and the Department of Health (DOH), which is reportedly overwhelmed.

Other government offices and institutions can still receive direct donations but must report them to the OCD.

The OCD will coordinate with other agencies to identify facilities and groups in need, with the Department of National Defense providing logistical support.

Peace adviser Carlito Galvez Jr. is tasked with overseeing the management, inventory, and distribution of these donations.

The government is expediting the processing of foreign donations and the clearance of essential medical items, with the Bureau of Customs doubling its efforts.

The OCD is required to submit weekly reports to the Office of the President regarding the implementation of the order, which will include a breakdown of donations received.

Private organizations and individuals are still encouraged to make direct donations to their preferred hospitals or local government units.