By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senator Robin Padilla stated on Sunday, June 9, 2024, that former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte did not violate any laws in transferring billions of pesos in Covid funds to the Procurement Service of the Department of Budget and Management (PS-DBM).
Padilla emphasized that standard procurement procedures did not apply to the purchase of personal protective equipment (PPE) under Section 4 of the Bayanihan Law (Republic Act 11469) and the Government Procurement Policy Board Resolution dated April 6, 2020.
He also highlighted that Duterte was granted emergency powers to manage the crisis at the time.
“Former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte did not violate any law, as per Section 4 of the Bayanihan Law 1 (RA 11469), which exempts the procurement of personal protective equipment (PPE) from the usual procurement law and related regulations, by the Government Procurement Policy Board Resolution dated April 6, 2020,” Padilla said.
Last week, former Health Secretary Francisco Duque III testified during a congressional inquiry that he transferred approximately P47.6 billion to the PS-DBM to purchase COVID supplies, following Duterte’s directives.
“Like other countries, all governments invested significant funds, with most, like us, borrowing to overcome the Covid-19 pandemic,” Padilla stated.
“Do we need to hurl accusations when our nation is on the brink of an uncertain future?” he added.
(el Amigo/MNM)
