AFP relieves official tagged in P80-M medical supplies scam

MANILA, Philippines - The commander of the Armed Forces of the Philippines Medical Center (AFPMC) has been relieved to ensure a fair probe on the alleged anomalies in the purchase of P80 million worth of medical supplies.

AFP chief Gen. Gregorio Catapang Jr. said AFPMC chief Brig. Gen. Normando Sta. Ana Jr. has been relieved from his post to prevent him from influencing the results of the investigation.

“I asked the TJAG (The Judge Advocate General_ if there is prima facie evidence to merit an investigation. I was told there is,” Catapang said on Tuesday in a press conference in Camp Aguinaldo.

“Since he (Sta. Ana) is being investigated, it would be better if he is not in his post so he can’t influence the investigation,” he added.

AFP public affairs chief Lt. Col. Harold Cabunoc said Sta. Ana’s relief took effect on Tuesday. Col. Benedicto Jovellanos of the Medical Corps has been named the officer-in-charge of the military hospital. 

Cabunoc could nor say whether the three other officers included in the complaint were also relieved.

The other officers who were accused of fund malversation are Lt. Col. Florencio Capulong, special disbursing officer; Maj. Neil Bugarin, chief of the management and fiscal office, and Col. Rogelio del Rio, acting assistant chief of staff for logistics.

“They should be presumed innocent (until proven guilty) in accordance with our constitution. The investigation is not yet finished,” Cabunoc said.

Sta. Ana and his staff are being probed for allegedly buying P80 million worth of medicines and medical equipment without bidding.

Catapang ordered the investigation after a certain Renato Villafuerte had filed a complaint against them before the Ombudsman.

Sta. Ana, Capulong, Bugarin and Rio were accused of favoring suppliers and violating Republic Act 9184 or the procurement law.

They were also accused of seeking the realignment of P40 million to support cash advances and using them to settle the debt accumulated by buying supplies even without funds.