PAGC to evaluate "questionable" DepEd bidding

CEBU, Philippines – The Presidential Anti-Graft Commission will conduct a preliminary evaluation into the alleged irregularities of the bidding for P17 million worth of armchairs, desks and teacher’s tables by the Department of Education-Cebu Province office.

PAGC officer-in-charge commissioner Melinda Diaz Salcedo in an e-mail to The Freeman said that they received a complaint against members of the Bids and Awards Committee of the Department of Education-Cebu Province last April 9.

The Freeman also furnished the PAGC the documents detailing the alleged irregularities of the conduct of the bidding.

 Aside from the alleged irregularities, there were also reports regarding the substandard armchairs, desk and teacher’s tables.

Akbayan Partylist Rep. Risa Hontiveros Baraquel who visited Cebu last week assured that she will look into the alleged irregularities.

She also congratulated The Freeman for breaking the news regarding the DepEd transactions.

It was learned that the possible investigation will not only cover the alleged substandard school furniture, but also the allegations of promotion for sale among public school teachers.

It was also learned that the project was awarded to Gala Industries, Inc., which was the third lowest bidder.

The company was reportedly awarded the supply contract after the two lowest bidders-JEC Lumber and Ramagal Sash-were disqualified for allegedly submitting defective papers, false information and for poor performance in previous contracts.

But the two contractors protested the move of the Bids and Awards Committee in disqualifying them and accused the BAC members of favoring Gala Industries, Inc. – Jose P. Sollano/BRP (THE FREEMAN)