Public urged to report anomalies amid COVID crisis

MANILA, Philippines — At both Senate health committee hearings held last May 26 and 28, Sen. Bong Go urged the public to report anomalies and corruption-related acts to authorities, especially if in connection with the purchase or selling of medical supplies and equipment amid the country’s fight against the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.

“In times of crisis, every peso counts. While government maximizes its limited resources, a lot of our fellow Filipinos have also lost jobs, livelihood and savings. We are fighting for survival – survival is the name of the game here. We should not allow corruption and abusive business practices to take advantage of the vulnerabilities of fellow Filipinos,” Go said.

He urged the public not to be afraid to report abusive individuals in government and the private sector. “I will be the one to whisper your complaint to President Duterte and make sure you are protected as long as you are telling the truth,” he added in Filipino.

Go has constantly vowed to crack down on any alleged anomaly, especially when it comes to purchases, selling or distribution of medical equipment and supplies. The senator also underscored the need for all government agencies involved in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic to account for every single peso spent from public funds.

“We are ready to conduct investigation on all of these alleged overpriced medical supplies, equipment and packages, including the COVID-19 test kits,” he said.

“If we see any corruption, we must hold to account those agencies and their officials. No one will be spared. This is public money and it should be used properly, especially since we are facing a fearsome enemy,” Go said in Filipino.

As a member of the Joint Congressional Oversight Committee on the implementation of the Bayanihan To Heal as One Act, the senator has repeatedly said that with the funds released by the government to address the health crisis, “every centavo counts.”

However, he underscored that he would also give government agencies and concerned individuals a chance to explain their side.

In a virtual meeting with the officials and key members of the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Inc. on Wednesday, Go also appealed for support and assistance from the business community and asked them to help the government by cooperating in anti-corruption initiatives.

Meanwhile, Go assured the public that the government remains vigilant and careful in spending public funds appropriated to combat COVID-19.

“Indeed, we need to improve our capacity in addressing pandemics like this. We hope that the measures we have discussed will address some of our weaknesses and gaps in handling public health emergencies. Let the pandemic be a lesson to all of us and use this experience to improve our health system,” Go said.