UPDATED: Duterte wants donations to gov’t in fight vs COVID-19 managed by OCD

(Editor’s note: We are reposting this story to clarify that Administrative Order No. 27 issued by President Duterte covers donations of medicines, medical equipment, supplies and other health products to the national government and to the Department of Health in the fight against COVID-19) 

MANILA, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte wants donations to the national government or the Department of Health (DOH) of medicines, medical equipment and supplies and other health products intended to address the COVID-19 situation to be transmitted to and managed by the government.

Through Administrative Order no. 27, Duterte established a framework wherein these donations to the government and the DOH to address COVID-19 crisis will be coordinated and transmitted to the Office of the Civil Defense (OCD) for consolidation.

This covers donations from foreign governments, private entities, non-governmental organizations, or any group or individual.

“The OCD is hereby directed to prepare an inventory of the donations to the National Government and to DOH (Department of Health),” Duterte said in his order signed March 31 which was made public Wednesday.

Direct donations to other departments, bureaus, agencies, and hospitals or medical facilities shall continue to be allowed without need of consolidation in the OCD.

Under the AO, the Department of National Defense (DND) will provide logistical support to the OCD, including the distribution and delivery of the donated medicines, equipment, and the like.

Chief Implementer of the national policy against COVID-19 and Presidential adviser on peace Carlito Galvez Jr. is also tasked to oversee the management and distribution of these donations.

The OCD shall submit a weekly report to the President through the Executive Secretary on the actions taken regarding the said order.

EDV