The Department of National Defense (DND) believes there is nothing wrong with the move of Armed Forced of The Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff Gen. Felimon Santos Jr. to send a letter to the Chinese embassy.
General Santos sent a letter to Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian asking for assistance to acquire a medicine that can only be purchased in China.
Santos said the Carrimycin tablet has helped him recover from his recent bout with the deadly COVID-19.
Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana emphasized Santos did not violate any law since he did not place the country in danger but added that there is a better way of conveying the request of Santos.
“Hindi naman siguro very improper ‘yung ginawa niya, wala lang sa lugar. Dahil dapat yung mga ganong sulat ay idaraan muna sa DFA (It might not be very improper, it was just out of place. Letters like those must go through the DFA),” Lorenzana said.
Lorenzana added the experience of Santos as a COVID-19 survivor should be taken into consideration for his actions.
Meanwhile, the AFP said Santos has withdrawn his request upon discovering that the said medicine was not approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
AFP Spokesperson BGEN. Edgard Arevalo clarified there is no conflict of interest in Santos’ action “This is about medicine that the AFP Chief feels can save people’s lives. That is more compelling.”
Malacaῆang echoed the same sentiment and that there was no “evil motive behind the actions” of the general. – Report from Bea Bernardo
