By Genalyn Kabiling Authorities have started an investigation into the alleged overpriced medical equipment bought by the Department of Health (DOH) to test patients with coronavirus symptoms, President Duterte told Congress on Monday. President Rodrigo Roa Duterte KARL NORMAN ALONZO/PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO/ FILE The President, in his 10th weekly report to Congress, said the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) will determine if the persons implicated in the overpricing allegations violated the country's laws against profiteering. "Pursuant to this office's directive, the National Bureau of Investigation commenced a thorough investigation into allegations that the DOH purchased overpriced Automated Nucleic Acid Extraction Machines," Duterte said. "The NBI likewise issued subpoenas to persons allegedly involved in the overpricing of medical equipment to determine whether there was a violation of the Price Act and the Bayanihan Act," he added. Last week, the President asked the NBI to "study very carefully" allegations that a local supplier has been selling overpriced testing equipment in the country. Duterte issued the directive after expressing dismay over the "greed" of some businessmen while the country is battling the coronavirus pandemic. Following the President’s order, the NBI has assigned investigators to probe the overpricing allegations hurled against Omnibus Bio-Medical Systems. The company has denied selling overpriced test kits and equipment to the government. Former Health Secretary and now Iloilo Rep. Janette Garin had earlier appealed to the President to look into a ”very enterprising” couple reportedly linked to the overpricing of testing kits and machines in the country. Garin said the couple has allegedly hoarded testing kits after being granted “exclusive distributorship” privilege by some state agencies.