ANAKALUSUGAN party-list Rep. Mike Defensor on Sunday warned that Department of Health (DoH) officials may face criminal charges if they insist on procuring further supplies of remdesivir despite the World Health Organization (WHO) recommendation against the drug’s use on coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients.

“We consider all new purchases of remdesivir as reckless and foolish spending in light of the WHO recommendation, and considering that government is scrounging for money to buy more COVID-19 vaccines and to pay for the P2,000 cash aid for every Filipino contemplated under the Bayanihan 3 bill.

“All further purchases of remdesivir – after the WHO came out with its adverse recommendation – may be deemed as transactions highly detrimental to the government under the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act,” Defensor said.

“Under the law, DoH officials may be held liable for a corrupt act if they perform a transaction that is ‘grossly disadvantageous’ to the government,” Defensor said.

“The potential liability is there, regardless whether the officials involved profited or not from the procurement,” Defensor pointed out.

The offense is punishable with up to 10 years in prison and perpetual disqualification from public office, according to Defensor.

“We would urge the Department of Budget and Management to repurpose the money meant for remdesivir, preferably to acquire more COVID-19 vaccines,” Defensor said.

Evidence from the “solidarity trial” showed that remdesivir “had no important effect” in reducing the need for mechanical ventilation, shortening the time to clinical improvement, lessening the risk of mortality and on other COVID-19 patient outcomes, according to the WHO.

“The problem with remdesivir is its outrageous price, and yet, based on the findings of the WHO, the drug offers no significant relief to patients,” Defensor said.

AUTHOR PROFILE

Ryan Ponce Pacpaco