Statement of Senator Go regarding alleged overpriced COVID medical supplies, equipment, packages
In times of crisis, every peso counts. While government maximizes its limited resources, a lot of our fellow Filipinos have also lost jobs, livelihood and savings. We are fighting for survival — as survival is the name of the game here. We should not allow corruption and abusive business practices to take advantage of the vulnerabilities of fellow Filipinos.
As Chair of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, we are ready to conduct an investigation on the alleged overpricing of medical supplies, equipment and packages, including COVID-19 test kits, reportedly purchased by the government, or being sold by abusive entrepreneurs.
Also, as a member of the Joint Congressional Oversight Committee on the implementation of the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act, I have reiterated numerous times that the funds made available to address the COVID-19 pandemic and the needs of our people at this crucial time must be accounted for—up to the last centavo.
Regarding the PhilHealth test package, I expect the management to continue reviewing their case rates. We will also look into this to make sure that PhilHealth rates are in order to get the best value of every single peso the government spends for this.
We will give concerned government agencies the opportunity to explain their side regarding these allegations. Kung may makikitang anumang anomalya, pananagutin natin ang mga opisyal na ito. Wala po tayong pipiliin, wala tayong sasantuhin.
Sa mga pribadong indibidwal naman, huwag ninyo pong pagkakitaan o gawing negosyo ang krisis na ito. Lahat po ng mga Pilipino ay naghihirap, huwag ninyo nang dagdagan pa. Huwag niyo naman pong gamitin ang pagkakataong ito para pagsamantalahan pa sila.
I am urging the Executive Branch, particularly the National Bureau of Investigation, to also investigate and file cases against corrupt officials and private individuals who are taking advantage of this situation to make money.
For the general public, rest assured that your health and safety are being prioritized as we lay down measures and protocols moving forward. Allow me to also reiterate that targeted testing for COVID-19 is being conducted by the government. Tulad ng sabi ng IATF, hindi po pinipilit ang mga pribadong kumpanya na bumili ng sarili nilang testing kits kaya hindi po ito dapat gamiting rason ng mga abusadong negosyante na magbenta ng mga produkto tulad ng COVID-19 test kits na lampas sa tamang presyo.
Kung may alam po kayo na mga abusadong mga indibidwal sa gobyerno man o sa pribadong sektor, huwag po kayo matakot magsumbong sa Office of the President, sa Presidential Anti-Corruption Commission through PACC Commissioner Greco Belgica and their hotlines (09066927324 / pacc.complaints@gmail.com), o sa akin mismo. Ako po mismo magbubulong ng inyong hinaing kay Pangulong Duterte at sisiguraduhin natin na mapoprotektahan po kayo basta magsabi lang kayo ng totoo.
Sa simula pa lang, nagsabi na ako na tanging konsensya nalang natin ang makapagbabantay sa ating mga ginagawa lalo na sa panahon na naghihirap ang ating mga kababayan. Hindi po tayo papayag na may nangsasamantala pa sa panahong ito. Magtulungan nalang po tayo para sa ikabubuti ng kapwa nating Pilipino.
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