Duterte says politics may be behind Senate probe on medical supplies deal

MANILA, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday said politics may be behind the Senate’s inquiry into the government’s  purchase of allegedly overpriced medical supplies during the height of the pandemic in 2020.

Duterte said he heard rumors that Sen. Richard Gordon, who heads the Senate blue ribbon committee conducting the probe, is eyeing the vice presidential race in 2022 elections.

“Gordon, is it really an investigation in aid of legislation or in aid of your personal political interest?” he said in his public address.

“I heard you want to run for vice president next year and you are trying to impress the opposition that they would consider you. Totoo ba ito (Is this true), Senator Gordon?” the President added.

Duterte invited to Gordon discuss with him his political plans so they could strike a deal, considering that the President is also eyeing to gun for the vice presidency.

“Alam mo tatakbo rin ako. Kung mag-usap lang tayo, p’wede namang ikaw ang maging vice president kung karapat dapat ka,” he said.

(You know, I will also run. If we can just talk, you can be vice president, if you’re worthy.)

The Senate Blue Ribbon Committee is currently investigating the controversial procurement of supposedly overpriced personal protective equipment, face masks and shields made by the Department of Budget and Management-Procurement Service in 2020.

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