AFP probes 'anomalous' purchase of P80-M medical supplies

MANILA, Philippines - The military has ordered a probe on the chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines Medical Center (AFPMC) over the alleged anomalous purchase of P80 million worth of medical supplies.

AFPMC commander Brig. Gen. Normando Sta. Ana Jr. and his staff are being investigated for supposedly buying medicines and medical equipment without bidding.

Armed Forces chief Gen. Gregorio Catapang Jr. ordered the investigation after a certain Renato Villafuerte had filed a complaint against Sta. Ana and three other officers before the Office of the Ombudsman.

Other officers who were accused of fund malversation are Lt. Col. Florencio Capulong, special disbursing officer; Maj. Neil Bugarin, chief of the management and fiscal office, and Col. Rogelio del Rio, acting assistant chief of staff for logistics.

“The Armed Forces of the Philippines already ordered a parallel investigation relative to the complaint of Mr. Villafuerte. Rest assured that this investigation will be transparent,” Armed Forces public affairs chief Lt. Col. Harold Cabunoc said.

“We do not tolerate wrongdoing in our ranks because we believe that the public office is a public trust. Reforms are being undertaken in order to establish a more transparent and accountable military organization,” he added.

The STAR tried to call Sta. Ana on Monday for his reaction but he was in a conference.

In his complaint, Villafuerte said Sta. Ana, Capulong, Bugarin and Rio had violated Republic Act 9184 or the procurement law and had failed to practice legitimate procurement procedures.

He said Capulong, with the approval of Sta. Ana, had bought medicine and other medical supplies from favored suppliers.

The AFPMC officers were also accused of seeking the realignment of P40-million to support the cash advance of Capulong and using them to settle the debt accumulated by buying supplies even without funds.

Cabunoc said they are hopeful that the investigation would shed light on the issue.