Bidding for P1.2-B gun deal transparent - Bartolome

MANILA, Philippines - Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Nicanor Bartolome insisted on Friday that the bidding for the P1.2-billion gun deal was transparent and credible.

Bartolome made the statement in front of hundreds of criminology students during an open forum at the University of Iloilo in Iloilo City last Friday.

“It was very transparent because it was witnessed by media in every stage that we did it. There were also representatives of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), National Police Commission (Napolcom) and from other stakeholders including those from non-government organizations,” he said.

“It’s the first time we conducted it that way... with the presence of everyone... and yet many still criticized it,” he added.

He said the winning bidder, Trust Trade of the Philippines, submitted the second lowest bid, P16,659.94 for each unit of Glock 17 Generation 4 pistol. He said the pistol passed a series of endurance firing and crack tests.

Another bidder, R. Espineli Trading, submitted the lowest bid but was disqualified after it failed to pass all the necessary documents.

“If we bought it (Glock pistol) outside, it will cost us around P40,000. Comparing the price, the difference is so huge... saving the government P200 million in the process. But just the same, many are still questioning the deal, but we would address that. That’s how transparent the bidding process was,” Bartolome said.

He said the bidding process started as early as June. It went through several phases and after the conduct of the functional test last Sept. 10, the contract was signed by PNP Logistics director Arnold Perez and a representative from Trust Trade.

“It was submitted to my office for approval. I was given 15 days within which to approve or disapprove,” he said.

Last Sept. 20, Bartolome signed the notice of award to Glock Asia Pacific and Trust Trade, the winning bidder’s local partner.

After the awarding, two other bidders came out complaining that the bidding was tainted with irregularity.        

“Just when the bidding cycle was completed and the contracts have been signed, now they complain. Why don’t they file charges? Why don’t they file official protest? Why are they telling this only to the media?” he asked.

Bartolome said they are waiting for the official complaint so they could answer it at the proper venue.

Presently, 49 percent of policemen nationwide have been issued with the brand new firearms.

The procurement of 59,904 units of brand-new 9mm semi-automatic pistols is expected to address the police force’s need for firearms.

Meanwhile, Bartolome dismissed speculations that he would retire from the service earlier than scheduled to prepare for the 2013 elections.

“My retirement is March 2013. I don’t think that it will come earlier - like what they’re saying, in October or November,” Bartolome said.

He said there was no request from the Palace for him to leave the service earlier than his compulsory retirement.

“If you notice, the President said he might ask me. He did not categorically state that I will retire as chief PNP,” he said.

After reports came out that Bartolome might be chosen to replace resigned DILG Undersecretary Rico Puno, President Aquino said the PNP chief might not get the post after all.

However, presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda said the PNP chief might still be asked to leave his post to prepare for the May 2013 polls.

Bartolome said should he retire in March 2013 or earlier, his successor will not have difficulty in securing the polls.

“Preparations are in place. It’s not really a question of who will replace me. We have staff at the PNP who will do these,” he said.