Department of Health (DOH) Secretary Jose Pujalte Jr. defended the agency’s decision to review a proposed P3-billion procurement of tuberculosis (TB) medicines, saying the process is necessary to protect both patients and public funds, even as he faces a complaint before the Office of the Ombudsman.
The DOH chief said the procurement is undergoing a thorough evaluation to verify the quantity, quality, and safety of the medicines while ensuring compliance with government procurement rules.
The review follows the filing of an 18-page complaint before the Office of the Ombudsman, which accused the health secretary of improperly suspending the procurement of anti-tuberculosis commodities and delaying the bidding process to allegedly favor an unnamed supplier.
Pujalte denied the allegations, saying the review should not be interpreted as an attempt to derail the government’s tuberculosis program or limit patients’ access to essential medicines.
“Wala pa tayong 30 days sa posisyon, pero gusto agad pabilisin ang pag-apruba sa P3 billion na TB procurement nang walang malalimang pagsusuri. Three billion pesos po ‘yan ng taumbayan, hindi ‘yan basta-basta. Natuto na dapat tayo sa nangyari noon sa Pharmally. Buhay ng tao ang nakataya rito,” he said in a statement.
The health secretary said he respects the authority of the Office of the Ombudsman and is prepared to cooperate fully with any investigation by submitting documents and records related to the procurement.
He said the department’s review aims to ensure that the procurement process remains transparent, lawful, and responsive to the needs of tuberculosis patients while safeguarding taxpayers’ money.
He also maintained that the DOH remains committed to ensuring the uninterrupted availability of safe and effective medicines for patients despite the ongoing review.
The procurement controversy comes days after Pujalte denied separate allegations that he had been gambling at a casino. He said he was at a restaurant inside a hotel complex for a courtesy meeting with local government mayors, dismissing the accusation as unfounded.
“Kahit sunod-sunod ang demolition job, hindi tayo magpapa-distract. Ang pera ng bayan at buhay ng Pilipino, kailangang protektahan,” he said.
Pujalte added that he will remain focused on strengthening the integrity of the department’s procurement system, protecting patients, and ensuring the responsible use of government funds as the Ombudsman evaluates the complaint.