By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.
MANILA, Philippines — Health advocates on Wednesday urged the Office of the Ombudsman to preventively suspend new Health Secretary Jose Pujalte Jr. and file a graft case against him before the Sandiganbayan over alleged anomalies in the suspension of the procurement of P3.225 billion worth of tuberculosis drugs.
On July 24, anonymous complainants identifying themselves only as “Concerned Health Advocates for the Prevention and Control of Tuberculosis” said Pujalte issued a Department of Health (DOH) memorandum halting all tuberculosis commodity procurement activities for calendar year 2026.
“According to whistleblowers, Respondent Pujalte Jr. is allegedly deliberately stalling the public bidding timeline to buy time for an unnamed favored supplier,” the complainants said.
READ: Health chief denies gambling claims, says hotel visit was official
