DOJ to look into COA report of expiring drugs before ordering NBI probe

Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra.
INQUIRER file photo / MARIANNE BERMUDEZ

MANILA, Philippines — Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra will order the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to conduct a probe into the P367.158 million worth of drugs nearing expiration if he sees that there is possible criminal liability based on the Commission on Audit (COA) report.

Guevarra said on Sunday that while he has not yet received any formal request on inquiry from Bagong Henerasyon Party-list Rep. Bernadette Dy regarding the matter, his department would look into the matter.

“Now that she has mentioned it, I will secure a copy of the COA report and look into any possible criminal aspect,” Guevarra said told reporters in a text message.

“If the matter goes beyond simple administrative liability, then I will direct the NBI to do its own probe,” he added.

Under the annual report of COA, it showed that as of January 2019, drugs and medicines amounting to P294.767 million were still in warehouses as of January 31, 2019.

Furthermore, medicines worth P72.391 million had been distributed to regional offices and hospitals less than a year before the expiry dates.

READ: DOH hasn’t distributed expiring vaccines, diabetes drugs — COA

Following the report of COA, the DOH said it was already taking necessary actions regarding the issue.

It also said that concerned DOH teams have been working together to resolve the issues on overstocking, distribution, and warehousing, among others. /je

READ: DOH taking ‘steps’ on expiring drugs