Secretary Galvez denies earlier reports on P20 billion worth of PPEs
MANILA – COVID—19 Chief Implementer Carlito G. Galvez, Jr. denied earlier reports on the government’s ongoing procurement of personal protective equipment or PPEs, a basic requirement for health front liners.
In a press briefing at Camp Emilio Aguinaldo Thursday night, Galvez said an earlier report disclosed the government is buying 3 million PPEs worth P20 billion for June to August this year. The second account was in the form of an editorial in a broadsheet which cast doubts on the purchase procedures.
Secretary Galvez said the earlier report quoted him confirming the purchase and that they are stockpiling PPEs because COVID-19 may last until next year.
He said he is disappointed with the report because they are malicious and inaccurate in the portrayal of his statement.
“Not only was I misquoted, but the said articles also cast a cloud of doubt not only on the integrity of the National Task Force COVID-19 but on government as a whole,” he said.
He called on the two media outlets to review the transcript of the interview conducted last May 9 “to set the record straight and put things in their proper context.” He said he is entertaining thoughts of taking legal action against the media outlets should the issues not clarified.
Secretary Galvez said the 3 million PPEs mentioned in the separate reports “are actually part of the first tranche of the 11 million PPEs worth P20 billion to be purchased by the government.” He added the 3 million PPEs are being stockpiled for the months of June until August this year.
He said the price of a complete PPE set is in the vicinity of P1,818, way below the P6,667 price as reported by one of the two media outlets.
In his statement, Secretary Galvez said the PPEs are of Level 4 quality which include a medical-grade PPEs suit, military-grade goggles, a face mask, and show and head covers to provide full protection to medical practitioners. He added the PPEs are the same suits the government earlier gave to the medical staff of the Philippine General Hospital.
The purchase is already in the pipeline under the Department of Health through the Procurement Service of the Department of Budget and Management.
Secretary Galvez said having served in the military and as public servant, he has always treasured honor and moral integrity. (Melo M. Acuña)

Secretary Carlito G. Galvez, Jr. (Screen grab from PTV4)
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