MANILA, Philippines — Health Secretary Jose Pujalte Jr. defended the Department of Health's review of the proposed P3 billion procurement of tuberculosis commodities to protect patients and public funds, amid a complaint filed against him by several "concerned health advocates".
Pujalte added that he was ready to cooperate on any investigation that would be launched by the Office of the Ombudsman.
His comments come after an 18-page complaint was filed accusing Pujalte of freezing the procurement of TB drugs, noting that it could delay the delivery of life-saving medicines.
It also accused Pujalt of delaying the bidding process to benefit an unnamed supplier.
In a statement, Pujalte said the procurement must undergo careful examination to verify the quantity, quality and safety of medicines and ensure compliance with government rules, thus preventing irregularities involving taxpayers’ money.
He added that conducting due dilligence should not be misrepresented as an attempt to stop the government's TB program or deprive patients of access necessary medicines.
"We have not even been in office for 30 days, yet there is already pressure to fast-track the approval of a ₱3 billion tuberculosis procurement without a thorough review. That is ₱3 billion in public funds—it is not something that should be taken lightly. We should have learned our lesson from what happened with Pharmally. People's lives are at stake." Pujalte said.
He said that he was prepared to submit relevant documents and records required for any investigation.
