Ombudsman Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla has vowed to revisit the Pharmally scandal, a case that drew public outrage during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.
This comes after former Senator Richard Gordon urged the new Ombudsman to reopen the controversial case, which was initially investigated in 2021 by the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee—formally known as the Committee on Accountability, Public Officers and Investigations.
Remulla said the Pharmally controversy seems to have been forgotten despite its serious implications.
“Sisilipin natin iyon, kasi nga tila nalimutan na at nabaon sa limot,” Remulla said.
“Hindi dapat makalimutan talaga ang mga ganitong klase kasi alam natin na mabigat ang alingawngaw at maraming nagsasabi na may nangyari ngang masama roon,” he added.
The Pharmally Pharmaceutical Corporation was awarded multi-billion peso contracts by the Procurement Service of the Department of Budget and Management (PS-DBM) to supply pandemic-related medical equipment and protective gear. The contracts were questioned after it was revealed that the company had a small paid-up capital and possible ties to key government officials during the Duterte administration.
The Senate Blue Ribbon report, led by then-Senator Gordon, found several irregularities in the procurement process. Among those who signed in favor of the committee’s findings were Senators Risa Hontiveros, Franklin Drilon, Panfilo “Ping” Lacson, Manny Pacquiao, Leila de Lima, Koko Pimentel, Kiko Pangilinan, Ralph Recto, and Gordon himself.
Remulla said the Ombudsman will assess the findings and determine if there is sufficient basis to reopen the investigation.