Comelec has yet to complete new bid panel

MANILA, Philippines - The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has not completed the composition of its bids and awards committee (BAC) two months before the Oct. 25 barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) polls.

Comelec spokesman James Jimenez said the Comelec is very cautious in selecting the people who would be appointed to BAC in view of canceled procurement project for P687 million worth of ballot secrecy folders.

The Office of the Ombudsman is investigating the case and has ordered the suspension of former BAC chair Maria Lea Alarkon and BAC members Allen Francis Abaya, Maria Norina Casingal, Martin Niedo, and Antonio Santella.

Jimenez said newly-appointed BAC chair Ferdinand Rafanan, who also heads the Comelec’s Law Department, is still looking for people who could be part of the BAC, which is tasked to procure Comelec supplies, including those needed in the upcoming twin polls.

Jimenez said BAC members also have to constitute as members of the technical working group and secretariat. “It’s almost an entire division so it’s taking some time to find the right people to fill in the jobs.”

He said the Comelec wants to “make sure that those who will be appointed to back are well-versed on procurement law and there should be no history (of irregularity) and they must be willing, of course. But it’s really in the familiarity with procurement law that is taking a little time.”

Procurement, he said is a very technical matter. “If you’re not familiar with it, you can easily misstep,” Jimenez said.

Jimenez added that the preparation for the barangay and SK polls might not be affected so much since the selection process is taking place while they are not yet in the stage of procuring supplies.