Billions in TB medicines on hold? Advocates ask Ombudsman to investigate Pujalte

National

A BILLION-PESO tuberculosis medicine procurement controversy has placed newly appointed Health Secretary Jose Pujalte Jr. at the center of scrutiny, as health advocates seek an Ombudsman investigation into an alleged freeze on anti-TB drug purchases.

The Concerned Health Advocates for the Prevention and Control of Tuberculosis filed the complaint on Wednesday, August 6, asking the Office of the Ombudsman to investigate Pujalte over the alleged suspension of tuberculosis medicine procurements worth P3.225 billion.

The group also sought his preventive suspension while the allegations are being investigated.

The advocates claimed that Pujalte issued a directive on July 24 ordering a halt to all 2026 tuberculosis commodity procurements, including the purchase of adult anti-tuberculosis medicines.

According to a Philstar report, Pujalte denied deliberately delaying the procurement process, saying the matter was part of an ongoing review. He said he was prepared to submit relevant documents to authorities looking into the complaint.

The group warned that delays in procurement could put the country at risk of running short of critical TB medicines, noting that the purchase and delivery process for anti-tuberculosis drugs typically takes six to nine months.

According to the complaint, whistleblower accounts alleged that the procurement was intentionally stalled to move back the bidding timeline and favor a private supplier.

The health advocates asked the Ombudsman to investigate Pujalte for alleged grave misconduct, grave abuse of authority, and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service.

They also accused the health chief of possible violations of Sections 3(e) and 3(f) of Republic Act 3019, or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, citing alleged partiality, injury to the public, and refusal to perform official duties.

The complainants argued that Pujalte had no authority to unilaterally place Congress-approved procurement funds on hold. They cited Article VI, Section 29(1) of the Constitution and Section 74 of the Fiscal Year 2026 National Expenditure Program, saying the suspension of the procurement lacked the required authorization.(MyTVCebu)