The Department of Health (DOH) is now looking into the alleged irregularities in its procurement of pneumonia vaccine, which was raised before the Philippine Competition Commission (PCC).
In a virtual press briefing last Monday, Health Secretary Francisco T. Duque III disclosed he already ordered their legal service group to probe the case, which was filed by the United Filipino Consumers and Commuters (UFCC).
In its complaint it filed with PCC, the UFCC claimed the suppliers of the pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCV) of DOH–Pfizer Incorporated and Zuellig Pharma Corporation–supposedly violated antitrust laws by having a “strategic partnership.”
It urged the PCC to stop the procurement since the supposed transaction with the said firms has supposedly led to the government to purchase PCV doses, which are more costly, but with less coverage.
Duque said they are still waiting for a copy of the said complaint, but he assured they have complied with the necessary procurement regulations in the said transaction.
“You can be assured that our bids and awards committee comply and respect wall the process under Republic Act 9184 or the Procurement Act of 1998,” Duque said.
The health official also committed to fully cooperate with the PCC on its probe on the matter.
“We will give all the information needed by the Philippine Competition Commission,” Duque said.