Philippines' Duterte says medical supplies not overpriced

MANILA - Philippines' President Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday denied allegations that medical supplies like personal protective equipment and face masks were overpriced, lashing out at lawmakers probing government officials over emergency purchases last year.

The firebrand leader remains popular in the Philippines, but his administration is facing growing criticism over its handling of one of the worst coronavirus outbreaks in Asia. "At the height of the pandemic, when it began, we had nothing," Duterte said in a weekly late-night national address. "It was costly because of lack of supply."