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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Pujalte stands by review of P3.225-B TB procurement amid Ombudsman complaint

Pujalte stands by review of P3.225-B TB procurement amid Ombudsman complaint

Published Aug 6, 2026 12:19 pm

At A Glance

  • On Aug. 5, health advocates asked the OMB to impose a preventive suspension on Pujalte and initiate a graft case before the Sandiganbayan over the alleged irregular suspension of the procurement of P3.225 billion worth of tuberculosis drugs.
(PCO PHOTO)
(PCO PHOTO)
Amid a complaint filed against him before the Office of the Ombudsman, Department of Health (DOH) Secretary Jose “Brix” Pujalte Jr. said on Thursday, Aug. 6, that the department's review of the proposed P3-billion procurement of tuberculosis commodities is intended to protect patients and ensure the proper use of public funds.
On Aug. 5, health advocates asked the OMB to impose a preventive suspension on Pujalte and initiate a graft case before the Sandiganbayan over the alleged irregular suspension of the procurement of P3.225 billion worth of tuberculosis drugs.
“Wala pa tayong 30 days sa posisyon, pero gusto agad pabilisin ang pag-apruba sa P3 billion na TB procurement nang walang malalimang pagsusuri (We’ve been in the position for less than 30 days, yet there is already pressure to fast-track the approval of the ₱3-billion tuberculosis procurement without a thorough review),” Pujalte said in a statement.
He stressed that the proposed P3-billion procurement involves taxpayers’ money and warrants careful scrutiny, saying the government should have learned from the Pharmally case as the lives of patients are at stake.
“Three billion pesos po ’yan ng taumbayan, hindi ’yan basta-basta. Natuto na dapat tayo sa nangyari noon sa Pharmally. Buhay ng tao ang nakataya rito (That is P3 billion belonging to the people. It is not something to be treated lightly. We should have learned from what happened with Pharmally. Human lives are at stake here),” he said.
According to Pujalte, he respects the authority and procedures of the Office of the Ombudsman and stands ready to provide all relevant documents and records it may require for its investigation.
The DOH chief said he would not be distracted by what he called a continuing demolition campaign and would instead remain committed to safeguarding public funds and the welfare of Filipinos.
“Kahit sunod-sunod ang demolition job, hindi tayo magpapa-distract. Ang pera ng bayan at buhay ng Pilipino, kailangang protektahan (Despite the successive demolition job, we will not be distracted. Public funds and the lives of Filipinos must be protected),” he said.
Earlier, Pujalte denied claims that he had been gambling at a casino. He then explained that he had gone to a restaurant in a hotel complex for a courtesy call with local government mayors. 
President Marcos appointed Pujalte as DOH secretary on July 13 following the resignation of Dr. Teodoro Herbosa.

Related Tags

Department of Health Jose Brix Pujalte Jr Office of the Ombudsman Tuberculosis procurement Health advocates Sandiganbayan Tuberculosis commodities
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