DOTr: No contract with Pharmally

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Transportation (DOTr) said on Wednesday there were no irregularities on its end in the procurement by the Philippine National Railways (PNR) of medical supplies from Pharmally Pharmaceutical Corp.

In a statement, the DOTr said the agency did not enter into any contract with Pharmally.

The PNR was the one involved in the procurement of infrared thermometers, goggles and face shields amounting to P619,000 last year, according to the DOTr.

The PNR, an attached agency of the DOTr, has its own board and charter.

“The PNR can present proof of regularity of its emergency procurement of items for the use of its personnel,” the DOTr said.

“The PNR is ready to submit the necessary procurement documents such as market studies or canvasses at the time, as needed,” the DOTr added.

Sen. Risa Hontiveros, during the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee investigation into Pharmally’s allegedly anomalous deals with the government on Tuesday, said the firm appeared to have sold medical supplies to the PNR at prices higher than those listed in the company’s own catalog.

The DOTr said that together with its attached agencies, they adhere to the position of “fully subscribing to the tenets of honesty, integrity and transparency in all … procurement, contractual obligations and transactions.”

“Under the leadership of Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade, we have sworn to uphold these values in our continuing effort to maintain the trust and confidence of the public,” the DOTr said.

“We remain confident that the truth regarding this issue will come out, as we continue to focus on issues that really matter such as the Build Build Build mass transport infrastructure projects to benefit the commuters and the economy,” the agency added.