DepEd sends probers to look into "bidding irregularities" in Cebu

CEBU, Philippines – The central office of the Department of Education (DepEd) sent a team to Cebu to look into the allegations of anomaly in the awarding of projects.

DepEd Secretary Jesli Lapuz reportedly sent the investigators to Cebu. He has not however released any official statement on the issue yet.

Early this month, The Freeman broke a story about allegations that a contractor is being favored by the Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) of DepEd-Cebu Province.

This came about after two contractors complained that they were disqualified from taking part in the bidding of a P17 million-project and that some parents and teachers complained that the items delivered did not meet the standards.

The investigators from Manila reportedly held a close door meeting with the members of the BAC as well as the DepEd officials here.

Nobody would however give any information about what transpired in that meeting.

The team from DepEd Manila arrived in Cebu last Sunday.

DepEd-7 Regional Director Recaredo Borgonia confirmed that investigators came here, but refused to give more details.

When reached for comment, BAC chairman Judiana Coriente refused to issue any statement on the advise of her lawyer.

Invitations to attend a clarificatory conference were also reportedly sent by DepEd Assistant Secretary for Legal Affairs Emilio Abelita III to representatives of two contractors that were disqualified.

Fely Guanzon, wife of Manuel Guanzon, former barangay captain of Capitol Site, representing JEC Lumber as well as Edgar Galang of Ramagal Door and Sash Manufacturing were invited.

Both did not attend such on the advise of their lawyers also. They said that they cannot expect a fair investigation by the officials of the DepEd.

The two companies were disqualified by the BAC from the P17 million-project and two others before that on allegations that they submitted false information and had a poor performance in previous projects that were awarded to them.

This was the reason why Gala Industries was awarded the contract despite the fact the JEC and Ramagal had lower bids for the project to supply chairs, desks and teacher’s tables.

Meanwhile, a group of young people calling themselves the Kabataang Pinoy Cebu Province expressed support to the investigation on the alleged anomalies in the bidding of projects. — Jose Sollano and AJ de la Torre/NLQ (THE FREEMAN)