The emergence of a science-based government agency in corruption headlines is more than just surprising – it’s actually unexpected. Instances of misconduct in public office usually do not involve organizations steeped in technical expertise, such as those focused on research and the sciences.
Hence, when news broke of the dismissal of Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) director Demosthenes Escoto, shock rippled through the public.
According to reports, the Ombudsman ordered the dismissal of Escoto over the procurement of transmitters and transceivers in 2018 for the Integrated Marine Environment Monitoring System Project Phase II or the PHILO project. This PHILO initiative aimed to enhance the government’s monitoring and surveillance capability over the country’s marine resources, in a bid to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing activities within our territorial waters.
The PHILO project was initially intended to be financed by a French government loan and its strict criteria required French suppliers. However, the winning bidder, SRT-France, was later found to be ineligible, since it was simply a subsidiary of SRT-UK – a company based in the United Kingdom.
Rather than initiating a new bidding process to comply with the French loan requirements, Escoto, as chair of the bids and awards committee, reportedly terminated the contract instead. Consequently, the French loan offer was withdrawn, and in 2018, SRT-UK secured the contract through another round of bidding, with project financing shifted to the Philippine government.
A complaint was then filed against Escoto and other officials for alleged irregularity in the process and an investigation ensued. The Ombudsman ruled that the contract was disadvantageous to the government.
Meanwhile, Escoto’s co-accused, former agriculture assistant secretary Hansel Didulo, was cleared by the Ombudsman due to insufficient evidence against him.
Following the dismissal, Department of Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel appointed Isidro Velayo Jr. as BFAR’s officer-in-charge, ensuring the continuity of the agency’s operations. This swift, decisive action aimed to address the leadership vacuum promptly. BFAR currently operates under the jurisdiction of the Department of Agriculture.
With Escoto’s dismissal, he forfeits his retirement benefits and faces perpetual disqualification from holding public office. However, he still has the right to appeal the decision.
This case serves as a stark reminder to all public officials that exercising caution in safeguarding public funds is of critical importance. It underscores the necessity for vigilance throughout the procurement process and in awarding contracts, ensuring that they consistently prioritize the best interests of the Filipino people.
The Ombudsman’s decision is commendable as it offers reassurance to hardworking Filipino taxpayers that their contributions are protected and valued.
Beyond the basic service delivery and fulfillment of duties, government officials must embody the qualities of honesty and integrity. No one should be exempt from upholding these fundamental principles while in public office.
This serves as an invaluable lesson for current and aspiring public servants alike. While strides have been made in combating corruption, much work remains. The foundational principle of public service, echoed by countless public servants throughout history, is: “Public service is a public trust.” Every individual entrusted with public office must honor that trust with unwavering diligence and integrity.
I call on our public officials to be more circumspect and exercise greater discretion in their government dealings, and always be mindful that their decisions directly impact the welfare of the Filipino people. Our collective future depends on it.