MANILA, Philippines — Even Senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. was dismayed over the Department of Health’s reported deficiencies in its use of P67.3 billion pandemic response fund.
“Nakakalungkot, nakakagalit, nakakapanlumo ngunit hindi ito ang oras para maging emotional,” Revilla said when the Senate blue ribbon committee opened its own probe on the issue on Wednesday.
(It’s saddening, infuriating, depressing but this is not the time to become emotional.)
“We need to be rational, we need to be judicious. In so doing, I hope that through this hearing, we find solutions rather than more problems,” he said.
In its latest report, the Commission on Audit found deficiencies on how the DOH managed the P67.32-billion fund to fight the Covid-19 pandemic.
But the DOH said some of its deficiencies had already been resolved while the agency was working on the other issues questioned by the state auditors.
READ: DOH: We’re addressing deficiencies in management of P67.32-B COVID funds
Revilla expressed hope that the inquiry would serve as an opportunity for the DOH to “improve itself” and “better serve the public.”
“I know all of you are doing your best and working hard during this pandemic. But instead of being discouraged and demoralized, let’s be encouraged and energized to work together,” he said.
“Alam ko pong napakahirap ng sitwasyon ng bawat isa sa inyo lalo na’t hindi totoo ang mga paratang ngunit alam ko po medyo mabibigyan ang linaw ng lahat ng ito,” the senator added.
(I know that the situation is very hard for all of you, especially since the allegations are not true, but I know this situation will be clarified.)