Firm-ly behind the Ombudsman

A lot of high hopes are riding on the shoulders of newly appointed Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales who is advised by legislators to assume the ferocity of a “pit bull” in prosecuting government grafters and other wrongdoers. But like they say, no one – not even the best and most dedicated – can go it alone, which is why Ombudsman Chit Carpio-Morales is being encouraged to seek the help of seasoned prosecutors, investigators and private counsel or, as one congressman put it, “hotshot private lawyers” from top legal firms such as CVCLaw, also popularly known as “The Firm.”

Contrary to what critics have been implying, the new Ombudsman is not beholden or subservient in any way to The Firm (co-founded by her cousin, Supreme Court Associate Justice Tony Carpio) which we were told is ready to offer its help and expertise – already proven when its lawyers Pancho Villaraza, John Balisnomo, Joey Tenefrancia, Sonny Marcelo and Miguel Silos (who at some point even became emotional in open court) succeeded in prosecuting the plunder case against former president Joseph Estrada.

Ombudsman Carpio-Morales will also be well advised to seek the help of the Sanidad brothers, Arno and Pablito, as well as the other former special prosecutors, all of whom were relentless in their efforts during the plunder trial. People who know these “legal eagles” describe them as “patriots” who will never refuse an invitation from government to fight for a worthy cause.

Questionable NBI clearance project

Spy Bits has received numerous complaints from people exasperated at having to line up for hours just to secure an NBI clearance when the processing used to take only half an hour. Sources disclosed that the problem started when NBI allowed its contract with Mega Data Corp. – which has been efficiently providing the bureau’s computerization services for so many years – to lapse last June 30 allegedly to create an “emergency” that would justify a Negotiated Procurement deal (no public bidding required) with a “favored” entity.

That entity is said to be Strategic and Comprehensive Consultants Inc. (SCCI) that went into a joint venture with Real Time Data Managements Services (RTDMS) for the interim project that has virtually sent back processing to the “mano-mano” system in regional districts and satellite offices, forcing provincial applicants to travel all the way to the Manila main office at great expense. SEC records show that SCCI is majority-owned by a certain Jefferson P. Soriano who, informants revealed, belongs to the same PMA Class ’76 of current NBI director Magtanggol Gatdula – a fact that the director reportedly admits. According to reports, Soriano used to head the PNP Bid and Awards Committee (during the time of Director General Jess Verzosa) and was also implicated in the alleged anomalous purchase of unserviceable rubber boats and outboard motors worth P131 million, and used choppers worth P104.9 million.    

The NBI clearance project is pegged at P76 million, and those in the know are wondering how SCCI could engage in a project of this magnitude when it allegedly has no track record and its initial authorized capital stock was only P1.6 million, later increased to P21 million last year (not P100 million as incorrectly stated in the NBI project brief, sources added), with zero revenue in 2009 and a total comprehensive income of P3,025 and only four reported employees as of 2010. The financial records of its partner RTDMS are no better – with a capital deficit of over P2.2 million in 2009 and some P1.4 million in 2010, with equipment worth below P200,000. Worse, SCCI is reportedly not authorized to provide IT services or supply the actual goods/services to run the project such as computers, printers, papers, software and support services.

Sources close to Mega Data Corp. (which initiated improvements in the NBI system such as the use of biometrics and the establishment of satellite offices for efficient processing of clearances nationwide) said the previous provider is prepared to continue processing NBI clearance applications even in the absence of a contract until a bidding is successfully conducted by the NBI or DOJ – but this arrangement would have to be approved first since MDC could not do it unilaterally. In fact, MDC still maintains its systems and facilities in satellite offices and malls and has put its people on standby in case the NBI would require its services.

Meantime, it’s the general public that continues to suffer, with OFWs, job applicants, visa applicants, etc. enduring long lines and sleeping overnight to get their clearances.

Spy tidbits

– An informal survey on the people’s reaction to P-Noy’s SONA had 67 percent (mostly from the lower classes) showing approval, saying they found it straightforward, down-to-earth and clear. Delivering the SONA in Tagalog obviously helped, with many saying they approve of statements about leveling the playing field and changing the way business is done in this country. But as expected, not everyone was pleased. A women’s group was disappointed that there was no mention of the RH Bill; OFWs decried the omission regarding their plight; a science group was “insulted” that the president “ignored scientific research as a prerequisite to technological development” and instead highlighted backward innovations, aside from the lack of a concrete roadmap on how to achieve the 16 points stated in P-Noy’s “Social Contract with the Filipino People.” Oh, well. As they say, you can’t really please everybody.

– Twenty-five years ago, Betty Go-Belmonte (BGB) and Max Soliven started The Philippine STAR as founding Chairman and Publisher respectively, envisioning a newspaper that would uphold the highest standards of journalistic integrity. Today, The STAR continues to shine brightly, thanks in large part to Miguel and Isaac together with Kevin of philstar.com who have continued the tradition started by BGB and MVS. Congratulations to The Philippine STAR on its 25th anniversary!  

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