Senator Christopher “Bong” Go on Sunday, August 22 appealed to fellow lawmakers to maintain objectivity as they seek the truth about the government’s COVID-19 response, saying they should not pass judgment too early without knowing all the facts.
Go, who chairs the Senate health committee said he supports the Senate’s investigation into the Department of Health’s (DOH) use of its P67.3-billion COVID-19 funds which the Commission on Audit (COA) has earlier flagged but urges senators to consider the early circumstances of the government’s fight against the coronavirus.
Citing a report presented by Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Go agreed that supplies of masks and face shields were low during the start of the pandemic last year.
“It was explained by Sec. (Ramon) Mon Lopez how supplies were difficult back then. Back then we don’t even know where we can buy the face shields and masks. There was scarcity and it was expensive,” Go said in a radio interview.
“It was also the President who ordered to buy the supplies, but that is already up to the Department of Budget and Management and DOH to explain for the benefit of the public,” he said.
However, Go said that if irregularities are indeed proven, cases must be filed against those involved to hold them accountable.
“I am urging COA that if they see any irregularities, they should file cases immediately. I’m not defending the DOH. If they committed anomalies, they should be investigated and prosecuted. Maybe they were just being prudent in the use of money, but if corruption is involved, that’s a different story,” Go stressed.
But he said government agencies must also be given the chance to rectify issues in accordance with the processes provided by law.
“It’s part of their job to rectify the observations made by COA within a specific period. Not only the DBM and DOH, all agencies should be given a chance to rectify COA’s observation because we are currently in a state of public health emergency,” he pointed out.
Go then encouraged the DOH, as well as concerned agencies, to ensure that COVID-19 funds are spent as soon as possible as provided by law, with no irregularities involved.
“Knowing the President, he won’t meddle with the affairs of your office as long as you use your funds correctly. I hope the DOH will use the funds and not let it sleep, especially if there are still unobligated funds,” the lawmaker stressed.