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AFP Medical Center chief sacked over P80M ‘anomalous’ deal

Rappler.com

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AFP Medical Center chief sacked over P80M ‘anomalous’ deal
The chief of the military hospital is accused of purchasing medicines and medical supplies without bidding to favor particular suppliers

MANILA, Philippines – Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief General Gregorio Catapang Jr sacked the AFP Medical Center head following allegations of anomaly over the hospital’s procurement of P80 million ($1.78 million*) worth of medicines, military spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Harold Cabunoc said on Tuesday, October 14.

The order on Brigadier General Normando Sta Ana, effective Tuesday, is meant to allow an “impartial investigation,” said Cabunoc.

Sta Ana is accused of purchasing medicines and medical supplies without bidding to favor particular suppliers, a violation of Republic Act 9184 or the Government Procurement Reform Act of 2003.

“We are calling on the ranks of the Armed Forces to presume his innocence in accordance with the Constitution while the investigation is ongoing,” said Cabunoc.

He added: “The Armed Forces will inform the public of the results of the investigation. They are looking at voluminous documents to explain what happened.” 

The probe started on September 5 following a letter of complaint filed by a certain Renato Villafuerte. Initial results of the probe have been submitted to Catapang. The Office of the Ombudsman is said to be furnished the same letter.

Three other officers were accused of involvement in the questionable procurement: Lieutenant Colonel Florencio Ritchie Capulong, the special disbursement officer; Major Neil Bugaran, the chief of the Management Fiscal Officer; and Colonel Rogelio Del Rio, the acting supply officer.

Villafuerte also alleged that the officers requested the realignment of funds for a cash advance of P40 million ($893,000) supposedly to pay for medicines and medical equipment without allocated funding. – Carmela Fonbuena/Rappler.com

 $1 = P44.7

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