AFP chief to launch ‘major revamp’ in military hospital

PHOTO by Frances Mangosing

Armed Forces of the Philippines chief Gen. Carlito Galvez Jr. on Monday vowed to carry out “a major revamp” at Armed Forces of the Philippines Health Service Command following allegations of anomalous transactions involving the purchase of medical supplies.

“I will order that reforms be instituted in the AFP Health Service Command. I will cause a major revamp in that unit to address systemic corruption and also allow the further investigation that will be conducted by our inspector general and our intelligence service,” he told reporters in a press briefing on Monday.

He described the corruption in the unit as “systemic,” because he sees the system as flawed.

“Kahit na sinong magaling na taong ilagay mo dun (No matter who is appointed to head the unit), they will be eaten by the system,” he said.

“Kaya systemic, kasi yung sa logistics, and the management and fiscal officer, silang dalawa lang yung from the start up the end. Walang transparency (It is systemic because the logistics and fiscal officers are in charge of the entire process from end to end. There is no transparency),” he added.

President Rodrigo Duterte fired top officials of the AFP Medical Center over alleged irregularities, including Brig. Gen. Edwin Leo Torrelavega, commander of the AFP Health Service Command; and Col. Antonio Punzalan, commander at V. Luna Medical Center, his spokesperson Harry Roque earlier said Monday.

Around 20 military officers and personnel from the health service command were sacked following accusations of bogus purchases of medicines and supplies.

READ: Duterte fires 20 military officials over corruption

A source privy to the investigation told INQUIRER.net that at least eight of these officers have been confirmed to face court martial proceedings. Five are officers and three are enlisted personnel.

More personnel could face court martial and or get sacked as the investigation is still ongoing, the source said.

Galvez said a “discreet investigation” conducted by the Intelligence Service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines found at least 17 dubious transactions in the unit. Only five were covered in the initial investigation.

The probe stemmed from a complaint from the Office of the President last May that there were alleged irregular transactions in the unit.

For instance, prosthetics purchased for soldiers were overpriced. Galvez said they are investigating allegations that the price quoted by V. Luna’s supplier is P1.4 million, but the average price for the product is only about P330,000.

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana also vowed that military officers and enlisted personnel involved in the alleged dubious transactions will be held accountable for their actions.

“It is unfortunate that this happened at a time when the DND (Department of National Defense) and AFP enjoy the trust and confidence of the Filipino people. We will ensure that those responsible will be held fully accountable for their actions. The investigations of the other individuals who might possibly be involved are still ongoing,” he said in a statement. /ee