Ombudsman Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla has spoken about the possible inclusion of former President Rodrigo Duterte in the ongoing investigation into the controversial Pharmally case.
During a press conference held on Monday, October 13, Remulla said any potential action would rely entirely on the facts and evidence presented in the case.
“Depende sa alegasyon ng complaint, depende sa facts, and the evidence itself. Siyempre ‘yong allegation niyan will be pointed to a positive role in the controversy,” Remulla stated.
He further emphasized that any involvement must be supported by clear proof.
“’Pag mayro’n siyang positive acts na ginawa, we will look at it. Titingnan natin ang evidence,” he added.
Pharmally Pharmaceutical Corporation was previously linked to former presidential economic adviser Michael Yang, who was involved in securing multi-billion-peso contracts with the Department of Budget and Management’s Procurement Service (PS-DBM) for the procurement of pandemic supplies during the height of the COVID-19 crisis.
Based on the findings of the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee—chaired by then-Senator Richard Gordon—from August 2021 to January 2022, Pharmally was found to have supplied overpriced and substandard medical products to the government.
The Ombudsman’s office is currently evaluating the complaints and evidence submitted to determine who should be held accountable in the case.