Malacañang said it is “premature” to say that the government would investigate the three companies blacklisted by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) that secured deals to supply the government with personal protective equipment (PPE).
This development came after reports surfaced showing Ferjan Health Link Enterprises, Cebu business Materials Trading Co., Inc., and Jozeth Trading secured PHP727 million worth of PPE and other medical supplies during the procurement despite being blacklisted by the DBM.
Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said he could not comment and would need to confirm and secure explanation from the DBM.
“Hindi ko po alam kung questionable iyan kaya nga po tatanungin natin ang DBM ‘no, kasi hindi ko pa po naririnig kung ano ang explanation galing sa DBM (I don’t know if that’s questionable. That’s why I’m going to ask the DBM because I haven’t heard their explanation yet),” Roque said.
“I think it’s premature to say we’re investigating. I will just clarify kung totoo (if it’s true), first and foremost, na (that) PHP750 million worth of PPE ay na-award sa isang (were awarded to a) blacklisted company. And if so, bakit at ano ang dapat gawin (why and what should we do),” Roque said.
He is also confident if there are apparent violations, these would be flagged by the Commission on Audit.
“Sa aking tingin naman, kung talagang mayroong paglabag sa batas ay ipa-flag din po iyan ng Commission on Audit (I think if there really were any violations, they would be flagged by the Commission on Audit),” Roque said.
Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez also cited the need for the government to patronize locally produced PPE, which are standard-compliant and more competitive in pricing.
