PNP to answer Poe on patrol jeep deal

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine National Police is prepared to answer the inquiry of Sen. Grace Poe over the PNP’s plan to acquire patrol jeeps for P918.9 million, an official said yesterday.

PNP spokesperson Chief Superintendent Wilben Mayor said the answer will be submitted to Poe by next week.

“The Directorate for Logistics is preparing the necessary documents for the PNP’s reply to Poe,” Mayor told reporters in a briefing.

Poe, chairperson of the Senate committee on public order and dangerous drugs, questioned the procurement of P918.9 million of Indian-made patrol jeeps.

Mayor maintained the PNP did not favor any particular suppliers in the ongoing bidding of 1,021 patrol jeeps.

Poe has asked Purisima to explain the purchase of P918.9 million in patrol jeeps amid allegations of irregularity.

The planned acquisition of the 1,021 patrol jeeps by the end of the year is aside from the 560 units earlier won this year by Mahindra, an Indian company, for P504 million.

In asking for explanations, Poe said her committee received reports that some companies were supposedly being favored in the bidding process.

Poe justified her request to Purisima dated Nov. 4 was part of the Senate’s oversight function.

Mayor pointed out that it was the Department of Budget and Management that gave the specifications of the patrol jeeps and that due process was observed.

“With the guidance of PNP chief Director General Alan Purisima, the PNP will see to it that the bidding process or any supplies that we will procure will be advantageous to the government,” Mayor said.

He gave assurance the PNP will maintain transparency in the whole procurement process, which is currently in the bidding stage.

Purisima faces two counts of plunder in connection with properties he did not declare in his statements of assets, liabilities and net worth.