Duterte orders OCD to consolidate coronavirus donations

President Duterte ordered the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) to consolidate all donations intended to address the coronavirus pandemic.

The OCD's role is to keep an inventory of donated items and redistribute them as necessary, not to prohibit direct donations to hospitals or other government agencies.

Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo clarified that the directive aims to ensure timely distribution of medical supplies and equipment to health facilities.

Panelo stated that the Department of Health (DOH) is overwhelmed with its work related to the pandemic, hence the OCD's assistance in managing donations.

The Bureau of Customs is also working to expedite the entry of donated items.