CIDG to wrap up probe on P131-million PNP boat deal

MANILA, Philippines - Persons tagged in the procurement of defective rubber and patrol boats for P131 million by the Philippine National Police (PNP) have only until this week to air their side or face charges in court, an official said yesterday.

Senior Superintendent Elmo Sarona of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) said they are “wrapping up” the investigation, “just waiting for the remaining affidavits and sworn statements of those concerned until next week so we can deliberate and eventually come up with our report the week after next.”

Sarona said he will submit his investigation report to CIDG chief Director Samuel Pagdilao Jr., who will report to PNP chief Director General Raul Bacalzo.

Pagdilao earlier said if a person concerned failed to submit his affidavit, it could mean he will just answer the accusation in court.

Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo ordered the PNP to initiate the filing of appropriate charges against active and retired police officials and private individuals involved in the anomalous procurement of P131 million worth of rubber boats and outboard motor engines in February 2010.

Robredo said Geneve delivered 41 rubber boats worth P47.7 million, 24 of which came from a joint venture between Stoneworks Specialist International Corp. and Enviro-aire and 10 from Bay Industrial Phils. Enviro-Aire cornered the delivery of the 93 outboard motors worth P44.1 million.

Based on investigation, Sarona said the contracts were only signed by the firms’ vice presidents – Senen Arabaca for Geneve; Alex Tayao for Bay Industrial and Harold Ong for Enviro-aire.

Sources said Enviro-aire is a firm registered under the name of Tyrone Ong, who was “adopted” by Philippine Military Academy Class 76, the batch of former PNP chief Jesus Verzosa and other retired police officials whose names were linked to the questionable deal.

Sarona said Feb. 17, 2009 bidding, which had an approved budget of P180 million, was postponed due to the lack of technical specifications of the rubber and patrol boats.

He said the second bidding, on May 26, 2009, was also postponed when the committee learned that the budget could be reduced to P136 million.

After the bidding, there was supposed to be a post-qualification procedure but after storm “Ondoy” hit, the bids and awards committee recommended the procurement of rubber boats through negotiation.

Although Enviro-Aire cornered the negotiated contract, investigators said the deal was split among three suppliers – Geneve, Bay Industrial Phils. and Enviro-aire.

“They claimed the supplier could not supply the needed quantity,” Sarona said. “There was splitting of contracts which is prohibited under… the government procurement act.”

Sarona said the rubber boats did not conform to Napolcom specifications and the PNP personnel did nothing when the defects were noted, and did not try to compel the supplier to correct the defects.