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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider NBI to probe businessmen involved in overpricing medical equipment

NBI to probe businessmen involved in overpricing medical equipment

Published May 26, 2020 12:00 am
By Jeffrey Damicog The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has been tasked to investigate traders who have been selling overpriced medical equipment, said Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra on Tuesday, May 26. Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra (Screenshot / RTVM / PCOO / MANILA BULLETIN) Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra (Screenshot / RTVM / PCOO / MANILA BULLETIN) “The President has given a direct order to the NBI last night,” Guevarra told reporters. “I will make sure that the order is implemented,” the Secretary added. Duterte on Monday night, May 25, gave the directive for the conduct of an NBI probe after receiving reports of a couple allegedly selling overpriced medical equipment. Prior this, former health secretary and now Iloilo Rep. Janette Garin urged the President to investigate the couple who are allegedly linked in the overpriced selling of test kits and machines. “The NBI should study the matter very, very carefully,” Duterte said on state television. Duterte lamented that these traders' “greed” is “part of the business practices” which is “repulsive to the human mind.” “Well, if the NBI has the probable cause, then go ahead,” he said. “But I still believe in what accrues to government people working, the presumption of regularity in the performance of their duties,” he added.
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