Pangilinan doubts admin's capacity to justify overpriced COVID-19 supplies

Senator Francis Pangilinan expressed doubt on the Duterte administration's ability to justify the alleged overpriced procurement of COVID-19 testing supplies and equipment.

Pangilinan questioned the administration's capacity to explain the costs of testing supplies when there has been no explanation for the P1.6 billion and P1.8 billion worth of shabu that slipped through the Bureau of Customs.

President Duterte previously assured that a report would be released to address allegations of fund misuse in the purchase of medical supplies and equipment for the Department of Health (DOH).

Duterte stated that he personally ordered the immediate acquisition of these supplies, regardless of cost, and that the Budget department and the Office of the President, not DOH Secretary Francisco Duque III, were responsible for the purchase.

The President directed his remarks to Senators Franklin Drilon and Panfilo Lacson, who had raised concerns about the supposed overpricing.

Duterte assured senators that an explanation would be provided and that it would be truthful.