Manila: Health Secretary Jose Pujalte Jr. defended the Department of Health's ongoing review of the proposed PHP3 billion procurement of tuberculosis (TB) commodities, stating that the process is crucial to protect patients and ensure the proper use of public funds.
According to Philippines News Agency, Pujalte's statement followed an 18-page complaint filed with the Office of the Ombudsman, accusing him of improperly suspending the procurement process and allegedly delaying the bidding to favor an unnamed supplier. Pujalte expressed his readiness to cooperate with any investigation and to submit all necessary documents and records for the probe.
Pujalte emphasized that the multi-billion-peso procurement requires a thorough review to verify the quantity, quality, and safety of the medicines, while ensuring compliance with government procurement rules and preventing possible irregularities. He refuted the allegations, asserting that due diligence should not be seen as an attempt to delay the national TB program or deprive patients of needed treatment.
Pujalte remarked on the urgency being imposed on the procurement process despite his short tenure, "We have not even been in office for 30 days, yet there is already a push to rush the approval of the PHP3 billion TB procurement without a thorough review." He stressed the importance of safeguarding taxpayers' money, drawing lessons from past procurement issues such as the Pharmally case, and highlighting the human lives dependent on these decisions.
He reiterated the review's intent to maintain transparency, responsiveness to TB patients' needs, and compliance with legal requirements. Additionally, Pujalte addressed previous allegations of casino gambling, clarifying that he was at a restaurant within a hotel complex for a courtesy meeting with local government officials.
Despite facing what he described as a series of personal attacks, Pujalte vowed not to be distracted from his duties. He reassured the public of his commitment to protecting patients, upholding integrity in DOH procurement processes, and ensuring the responsible use of taxpayers' money.
