Sen. Bong Go denies manipulating PPE donations

Senator Bong Go has denied allegations that his office manipulated the distribution of donated personal protective equipment (PPEs) for the COVID-19 response, calling the claims "utterly false, deliberate disinformation, and black propaganda."

These accusations surfaced on social media after President Rodrigo Duterte's Administrative Order 27 designated the Office of the Civil Defense (OCD) as the central coordinating body for all COVID-19 related donations.

Presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo defended Go, stating that AO 27 was not intended to allow Go to manage or receive credit for donations.

Panelo also denied that donations were being held at the Bureau of Customs for Go's endorsement.

Malacañang characterized the rumors as malicious fake information spread by "negative forces and detractors of the Duterte administration and its allies" to create confusion.

The Palace spokesperson asserted that Go has no access to the OCD and would not interfere with the agency's affairs.