Ombudsman expediting probe into Bogo projects

CEBU, Philippines - The Office of the Ombudsman-Visayas said it will expedite its investigation into the alleged anomalous contract that the municipal government of Bogo has entered into with an unqualified contractor for its computerization program now that the Commission on Audit has finished its audit report.

Ombudsman director Carla Tangco said the alleged anomalous contract was already under fact-finding investigation since last year. However, the investigation was stalled pending the result of the COA audit.

According to Tangco, now that the COA has finished its investigation, they will request a copy of the audit report to aid their investigation.

In its 2008 audit report, COA found out that close to P4 million contract for computerization was awarded by the Bogo municipal government to an unqualified contractor.

State auditors likewise found out that the local government procured second-hand vehicles and firearms directly from private individuals.

According to COA, the municipality chose Sky Communication to handle its computerization program even if it failed to meet the eligibility requirements for the procurement of goods and infrastructure projects.

The project was supposed to improve Bogo’s real property tax assessment, business permit and licensing operations, general accounting system and barangay information. However, it did not have a council-approved budget amounting to P4 million.

Section 54 of Republic Act 9184, otherwise known as the Government Procurement Law, stated that the procuring entity should draw up a list of at least three qualified suppliers, contractors or consultants who will be invited to submit proposals. The provision was not followed, according to the COA.

COA also questioned the purchase by the town of a Pajero worth P840,000 from a certain Cletus Ponpon, a Toyota pickup worth P35,000 from Joselito Flores and a motorcycle worth P50,000 from Jigger Melendres. — Fred P. Languido/LPM (THE FREEMAN)