Health Secretary Denies Graft Allegations Over Delayed P3-B TB Drug Procurement

Health Secretary Jose S. Pujalte Jr. on Thursday denied allegations that he deliberately delayed the procurement of anti-tuberculosis commodities, vowing to cooperate with the investigation after a graft complaint was filed before the Office of the Ombudsman. In a statement released by the Department of Health (DoH), Mr. Pujalte said the P3-billion procurement of tuberculosis commodities must undergo careful review to “verify the quantity, quality, and safety of medicines and ensure compliance with government rules, thus preventing irregularities involving taxpayers’ money.” Mr. Pujalte said conducting due diligence should not be misconstrued as an attempt to stall the government’s tuberculosis program or deprive patients of needed medicines. “We have not even been in the position for 30 days, yet there is already pressure to fast-track the approval of the P3-billion tuberculosis procurement without a thorough review,” Mr. Pujalte said in a statement in mixed English and Filipino. “That is P3 billion in taxpayers’ money — it is not something to be taken lightly. We should have learned our lesson from what happened with Pharmally. People’s lives are at stake here,” he added. The health chief said he respects the mandate and processes of the Office of the Ombudsman and is prepared to submit all relevant documents and records required for the investigation. In an 18-page complaint filed before the Office of the Ombudsman, a group of anonymous health advocates accused Mr. Pujalte of violating Republic Act No. 3019, or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, by allegedly issuing a memorandum that halted the procurement of tuberculosis commodities, which they claimed was intended to delay the public bidding process in favor of an unnamed supplier. The complainants also asked the Ombudsman to place the health chief under preventive suspension and file criminal charges against him. The complaint came a week after Mr. Pujalte denied allegations that he had been gambling at two resort casinos in Parañaque City under a fictitious name. He also dismissed the allegations, saying he was at a restaurant in a hotel complex to meet local government officials for a courtesy call. “No matter how relentless the demolition job is, we will not be distracted. The people’s money and the lives of Filipinos must be protected,” Mr. Pujalte said. The health chief added that he remains focused on protecting patients and strengthening the integrity of the agency’s procurement process. Mr. Pujalte was appointed Health secretary less than a month ago, replacing Teodoro J. Herbosa, who resigned due to health reasons. — Edg Adrian A. Eva