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MANILA, Philippines – The government’s practice of turning to the little-known state trading company Philippine International Trading Corporation (PITC) for goods and products should be “reviewed and stopped,” according to Senator Panfilo Lacson.
This as the legislator has questioned the existence of the PITC, which, he believes, may have “outlived its purpose.”
Lacson said a review of such a government habit could save him some “unnecessary expenses that amount to billions of dollars in delays and commissions or service fees.”
“Initially, it was only used to avoid the acquisition of medicines, especially for emergency needs. But then, it has expanded to the acquisition of other items such as rice, “he said in a statement.
“With that said, it is prudent for the government to at least look closely at the PITC’s involvement in the procurement of COVID-19 vaccines,” Lacson added.
PITC, which reports to the Department of Commerce and Industry, was recently tasked with importing COVID-19 vaccines from pharmaceutical companies amid optimistic reports about the results of recent phased trials.
Lacson’s suggestion comes after senators pointed out that turning to the company allowed departments to make it look like their budgets were bound.
Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon previously said he suspected more than 33 billion pesos in taxpayer money was parked at the PITC.
He said government agencies generally hire PITC services when they are supposed to buy goods and products, and “spend the budget there so they say you’re already obligated when it’s actually just deposited.”
The Senate minority leader previously said he would seek a Senate investigation into the PITC books.
KGA
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