Health advocates call on the Office of the Ombudsman to suspend and investigate new Department of Health (DOH) Secretary Jose Pujalte Jr. over allegations related to tuberculosis (TB) procurement. In statements reported by Philippine media, the advocates urge the Ombudsman to file graft charges before the Sandiganbayan, arguing that Pujalte allegedly issued a DOH memorandum that halts TB commodity procurement activities for calendar year 2026. The complaints cite alleged stalling of the public bidding timeline tied to the procurement of TB drugs valued at about PHP 3.225 billion. One report describes the complainants as presenting themselves as “Concerned Health Advocates for the Prevention and Control of Tuberculosis,” submitting allegations through anonymous or limited identities, and claiming the actions were meant to delay procurement. Another report says the advocates also call for Pujalte’s removal, describing the suspension as “whimsical,” and extends the criticism to TB-related commodities beyond drugs. Both reports frame the issue as alleged procedural or governance irregularities in the procurement process, while the Ombudsman’s actions and any eventual findings are not reported in the provided accounts.
Health advocates urge Ombudsman to file graft case vs DOH chief Pujalte
Health advocates call on the Office of the Ombudsman to suspend and investigate new Department of Health (DOH) Secretary Jose Pujalte Jr. over allegations related to tuberculosis (TB) procurement. In...
- Health advocates urge the Ombudsman to file graft charges against DOH Secretary Jose Pujalte Jr. before the Sandiganbayan.
- The complaints allege Pujalte issued a DOH memorandum stopping TB commodity procurement activities for calendar year 2026.
- The allegations include stalling or delaying the public bidding timeline for TB drug procurement valued at about PHP 3.225 billion.
- The advocates also call for Pujalte’s dismissal or removal, citing alleged irregularities described as whimsical.
- The provided reports do not state any Ombudsman or court decision yet on the request.
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 […]...Keep on reading: Ombudsman urged to file graft raps vs new DOH chief Pujalte
3 hours agoHealth advocates asked the Ombudsman to dismiss Health Sec. Pujalte over alleged whimsical suspension of procurement of tuberculosis drugs and other tuberculosis-related commodities.
3 hours ago
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