Hontiveros insists Chinese PPEs overpriced, DBM counters with PHP 800M savings

Senator Risa Hontiveros insists the personal protective equipment (PPE) procured from China for COVID-19 response was overpriced.

Hontiveros claims the government incurred about PHP 1 billion in losses, with PPE sets costing around PHP 1,700 to PHP 2,000 each, while Philippine General Hospital estimates range only from PHP 1,200 to PHP 1,500.

The Procurement Service of the Department of Budget and Management (PS-DBM) counters that the Philippines saved around PHP 800 million by dealing directly with manufacturers and accredited distributors.

Hontiveros has asked the DBM and DOH to explain why foreign contractors were prioritized over Philippine companies for PPE procurement.