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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider 'Dapat imbestigahan': NUP backs Pumaren's call to probe P1.8-B DOH Mobile Clinic Procurement

'Dapat imbestigahan': NUP backs Pumaren's call to probe P1.8-B DOH Mobile Clinic Procurement

Published Mar 13, 2026 02:27 pm

At A Glance

  • National Unity Party (NUP) Chairman Deputy Speaker Antipolo City 2nd Ronaldo "Ronnie" Puno has echoed the call for a House inquiry into the alleged anomalous procurement of Mobile Primary Care Facilities (MPCF) by the Department of Health (DOH).
Antipolo City 2nd Ronaldo "Ronnie" Puno (Ellson Quismorio/ MANILA BULLETIN)
Antipolo City 2nd Ronaldo "Ronnie" Puno (Ellson Quismorio/ MANILA BULLETIN)


National Unity Party (NUP) Chairman Deputy Speaker Antipolo City 2nd Ronaldo "Ronnie" Puno has echoed the call for a House inquiry into the alleged anomalous procurement of Mobile Primary Care Facilities (MPCF) by the Department of Health (DOH).
The call initially came from Quezon City 3rd district Rep. Franz Pumaren, one of the stalwarts of the NUP--the second biggest political party in the House of Representatives in terms of membership.
NUPl has said in a statement Friday, March 13 that it fully supports Pumaren’s call and will push for the appropriate committees of the House to act on the resolution without delay as soon as it is filed.
“This resolution reflects a legitimate concern that must be addressed through proper legislative oversight,” Puno said.
The congressional probe being mulled by Pumaren was meant to examine the DOH’s procurement, oversight, and implementation of the MPCF program in light of recent complaints filed in the Ombudsman against top DOH officials, including Secretary Teodoro Herbosa, over alleged bid-rigging and irregularities in the procurement process.
“When serious questions arise over the use of public funds, Congress cannot simply look the other way," Puno.
The deputy speaker said the NUP stands behind the initiative and will work with fellow legislators to ensure that the matter receives the attention it deserves in the lower house.
“This involves approximately ₱1.8 billion in public funds. That alone demands answers from the DOH,” Puno added. “For programs of this scale, transparency cannot be optional.”
The party adds that legislative oversight is essential when programs funded by billions of pesos in public resources are involved, particularly those intended to deliver essential services to communities across the country.
The NUP said it will continue to work with members of the House to ensure that appropriate oversight mechanisms are exercised and that reforms are considered where gaps in existing procurement laws may be identified.
Only the Leyte 1st district Rep. Martin Romualdez-led Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (Lakas-CMD) is bigger in the House of Representatives as far as members are concerned.
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