Anakalusugan Rep. Michael Defensor and House Deputy Speaker Lito Atienza also questioned the DOH’s decision to push through with the transaction, which they described as a waste of money. He warned that further purchases of remdesivir might be deemed as transactions highly detrimental to the government under the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act. Otherwise, the public will start suspecting that some [DOH] officials are making money on the purchases,” Atienza said. “Other wealthy nations can throw their money away on remdesivir if they want to, but in our case, we simply can’t afford to,” he added. Around 200 people each got 10 ivermectin capsules from Defensor and Sagip Rep. Rodante Marcoleta during the mass distribution.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer May 09, 2021 20:48 UTC