Punish pandemic profiteers in Philippines: Inquirer

The writer says that Lloyd Christopher Lao bought from Pharmally face masks at P27.72 (S$0.75) when other suppliers sold the same goods at P13.5, P16, and P17.50 for the same period. - Reuters

MANILA (Philippine Daily Inquirer/Asia News Network): In just several days of hearings at the Senate, staggering revelations have tumbled out relating to the dubious purchase of P8.7 billion (US$174 million) worth of overpriced face masks, personal protective equipment (PPE), and Covid-19 test kits that senators have said may be tantamount to "premeditated plunder."

At the centre of the grilling by the Senate blue ribbon committee is Lloyd Christopher Lao, a provincemate from Davao and fraternity brother of President Duterte, who at one point was designated undersecretary in the Presidential Management Staff under now Sen Bong Go (Both Lao and Go have denied this link, but documents prove otherwise).