AFP hospital chief, 3 others relieved

MANILA, Philippines–Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief Gen. Gregorio Catapang has relieved Brig. Gen. Normando Sta. Ana, chief of the AFP Medical Center (AFPMC), and three others for the alleged malversation of some P80 million in hospital funds.

Aside from Sta. Ana, the three officers implicated in the alleged malversation were Lt. Col. Ritchi Capulong, special disbursing officer; Maj. Neil Bugarin, chief of management and fiscal office; and Col. Rogelio del Rio, acting assistant chief of staff for logistics (MC4).

On Monday, Catapang relieved Sta. Ana to give way for a thorough military investigation into the complaint filed by one Renato Villafuerte before the Office of the Ombudsman. He was temporarily replaced by Colonel Benedicto Jovellanos, the deputy chief of the AFPMC.

All relieved officers were required to report to the AFP General Headquarters and will be on “floating status” until after the investigation.

In his complaint-affidavit, Villafuerte asked the OMB to investigate the four military officers for allegedly violating procedures mandated by Republic Act No. 9184 or the Government Procurement Reform Act of 2003.

Capulong, with the approval of Sta. Ana, purchased from the allocated budget some P80 million cash and purchased medicines and medical supplies supposedly from favored suppliers without bidding.

The military officers allegedly requested the realignment of funds amounting to P40 million to support the cash advance of Capulong, and used the money to pay for debt accumulated by procuring medicines and medical equipment.

The AFP, however, has also conducted a parallel investigation into Villafuerte’s complaint since Sept. 5 and assured the public that its investigation would be transparent.