Senator Richard Gordon on Friday, Oct. 22 welcomed the result of the investigation of the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM) on the reported 48 “false positive” patients that were tested at the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) Chapter in Subic.

In a 28-page report sent to the PRC last October 13, Health Assistant Secretary Nestor Santiago, Jr. maintained that the investigation conducted by the agency found no evidence of contamination for the 48 cases tested by the PRC.

The RITM also said the PRC results were found valid and reliable. Santiago also affirmed there is no evidence found to suggest that there was a contamination of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19 to the 48 samples, where 45 tested positive.

“We commend the RITM for its objectiviity in conducting its investigation,” Gordon said in a statement.

“Clearly, the accusation of ‘false posivite’ cases in PRC’s testing was just used to cast doubt on the integrity of the PRC and to distract the Senate investigation,” the senator said.

Gordon attributed the accusations about the laboratory tests conducted at the PRC was meant to distract him from the Senate blue ribbon committee’s ongoing investigation into the alleged corruption in the government procurement of alleged overpriced and substandard COVID-19 pandemic supplies from a supposed favored company, Pharmally Pharmaceutical Corp.

He pointed out President Duterte and his allies in the House of Representatives, were quick to make wild accusation and jump into hasty conclusion to gain “brownie points.”

“The PRC has conducted more than 4.6 million tests since March 2020 and has led in saving thousands of lives for early detection of this deadly virus through the assistance of our 14 molecular laboratories,” Gordon stressed.

“I thank the hardworking volunteers of PRC, especially our laboratory technicians and medical technologists for their conscientious performance of their duties despite the daily risks to their lives and that of their families,” he also said.