DOJ spends P.6 M for 19 new iPads

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Justice (DOJ) has spent nearly P600,000 for 19 new iPad tablets to “increase the efficiency” of its management team.

A purchase order published in its website showed that the DOJ spent a total of P591,312.30 for the acquisition meant “for official use of various offices in the department.”

The iPad units cost P31,121.70 each. The DOJ also purchased leatherette casing, screen protector and anti-glare screen for each unit.

The DOJ’s financial service received a copy of the purchase order on Nov. 8 and the units will be delivered 30 days after payment, following government procedure.

It was Assistant Secretary Geronimo Sy who proposed the purchase “for portable functionality of the management team to increase efficiency,” according to Secretary Leila de Lima. “This (iPad) is now a basic tool. Laptops we use for heavy documents,” the DOJ chief explained when asked by reporters.