Head of AFP Medical Center probed for P80-M drug procurement

MANILA, Philippines - The military is investigating Armed Forces of the Philippines Medical Center (AFPMC) commander Brig. Gen. Normando Sta. Ana Jr. and his staff following allegations that they bought P80 million worth of medicine and medical equipment without any bidding.

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

The three other military officers 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.

Armed Forces public affairs chief Lt. Col. Harold Cabunoc assured the public that the investigation would be transparent.

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

The STAR tried to call Sta. Ana yesterday 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, the procurement law, and had failed to practice legitimate procurement procedures.

Capulong, with Sta. Ana’s approval, had bought medicine and other medical supplies from favored suppliers, he added.

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

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