MANILA—Sen.
Panfilo Lacson on Tuesday questioned the Department of Health’s decision to buy COVID-19 testing machines and swabbing kits for more than twice the price of similar equipment bought by private companies.
The DOH did not “directly procure” the equipment in question, Health Sec. Francisco Duque III said, noting that health officials sought the Department of Budget and Management’s help in sourcing medical facility suppliers. Budget Usec. Llyod Christopher Lao said the private sector bought a different brand manufactured in China.“Since the APR issued to us is very specific and brand-based, you can only buy that specific brand. In this case, Thermo Science Kingfisher,” Lao said, referring to procurement documents issued by government agencies.
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