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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider NBI assigns investigators to probe firm in overpricing allegations

NBI assigns investigators to probe firm in overpricing allegations

Published May 30, 2020 12:00 am
By Jeff Damicog The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has confirmed that investigators have been assigned to conduct a probe against a firm which President Duterte ordered investigated over allegations of selling overpriced test kits and equipment for coronavirus disease (COVID-19). (MANILA BULLETIN) National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) (MANILA BULLETIN) “Nasa Anti-Graft 'yung kaso (The case is with the NBI’s Anti-Graft Division),” NBI Deputy Director Ferdinand Lavin said on Saturday (May 30). Earlier, Duterte ordered the NBI to investigate the owners of Omnibus Bio-Medical Systems Inc. The President gave the directive due to allegations that the firm has been selling overpriced testing kits and machines in the country. Lavin disclosed that Omnibus Bio-Medical Systems has already reached out to the NBI and expressed their willingness to cooperate with the investigation. “Ang pagkaka-intindi ko, magko-cooperate sila. Ibig sabihin they will submit for investigation (From what I understand, they will cooperate. This means they will submit for investigation),” said Lavin, who has no other details about the ongoing investigation. Meanwhile, Omnibus Bio-Medical Systems has denied allegations that it sold overpriced test kits and equipment to the government as well as claims that it has been monopolizing the market. "Our company adheres to a business practice aimed at providing the best value in life science equipment. We will not tarnish that reputation especially the COVID-19 crisis," Omnibus Bio-Medical Systems said in a statement. The company pointed out that it has been “selling medical equipment for more than 20 years” and is “recognized in the industry as a reliable and credible supplier.”
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