GOCC vows to fulfill P59-M seaman’s book deal

MANILA, Philippines - Questioning the motive behind the filing of graft charges against them and officials of the Maritime Industry Authority (Marina), an executive of a government-owned and controlled corporation (GOCC) assured yesterday that it will be able to meet its obligations in a P59-million contract for the printing, supply and delivery of Seafarers Identification and Record Book (SIRB) or the seaman’s book this year.

APO Production Co., in a letter to The STAR, brushed aside insinuations that it has failed to make good on deliveries and caused injury to the government. 

The GOCC, reacting to a complaint filed by United Filipino Seafarers president Nelson Ramirez before the Office of the Ombudsman, belied accusations that it failed to meet its obligation to Marina.

 â€œAs of today, we have furnished parties concerned the following info,” APO chair Mila Alora said noting that as of May 16, a total of 31,000 booklets have been delivered.

“By June 22, APO will have met the Feb. 26 and April 15 requirements and will be on schedule for the remaining balance of contract,” she said.

Alora admitted that while “there have been problems” involving the earlier targets, they have been addressed and APO will meet the Sept. 10 target delivery of 41,000 seaman’s books.

Ramirez lodged graft charges against Marina officials and the GOCC, complaining of the allegedly questionable grant of the multi-million peso government contract to APO.

He alleged that the contract with APO “is grossly and manifestly disadvantageous to the government” for it “deprived Marina of its ability to service the needs of the seafarers for the seaman’s book.”