Ombudsman-Visayas submits resolution on Bacolod computer ‘anomaly’

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines - – Deputy Ombudsman for the Visayas Pelagio Apostol has confirmed that he has forwarded to Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales his resolution on the case of former Bacolod congressman Monico Puentevella on allegedly overpriced and ghost deliveries of computer packages using P38 million of his Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF).

However, Apostol, in an interview with Bombo Radyo-Bacolod on Monday, did not disclose his recommendation on Puentevella’s case, saying it is confidential and only the Ombudsman can divulge the final findings.

The case against Puentevella, now the mayor of Bacolod City, stemmed from his release of P38 million from his PDAF from 2002 to 2005 for computer packages for elementary and secondary schools here, that were allegedly found to be defective and unsuitable for school use.

Each computer package, which came with accessories, cost P400,000. The purchases were allegedly overpriced by P14 million, according to an investigation report.

Reports that the packages were overpriced prompted city legal officer Allan Zamora, under then mayor Evelio Leonardia, to file a complaint in 2007 for graft against Puentevella; Dr. Victoriano Tirol, then Western Visayas director of the Department of Education; and the supplier, the Mandaluyong City-based Merryland Publishing Corp. owned by one Jessy Garcia.

Puentevella, who served for three terms as Bacolod congressman from 2001 to 2010, and Leonardia, who also served for three terms as Bacolod mayor from 2004 to 2013 and who is now the city’s congressman, are considered political rivals.

Leonardia’s city legal officer Joselito Bayatan earlier had alleged that Puentevella’s computers were not only overpriced at P400,000 each but were also ghost deliveries because 56 units, costing more than P22 million, were unaccounted for, as only 41 units and IT packages had been delivered out of 97 computers purportedly purchased using Puentevella’s PDAF.

Puentevella, in earlier interviews, said the schools that received the computer packages had issued certifications that the items were in good condition.

He alleged that the complaint before the Ombudsman was politically motivated since it was filed by Leonardia’s former lawyer.

Sarah Esguerra, executive assistant of Puentevella, yesterday said all questions on the alleged computer anomaly had been addressed, adding that Merryland Publishing had submitted its affidavit to the Office of the Ombudsman to clarify the issue.

Esguerra cited the explanation of Merryland owner Jessy Garcia that the purchase did not only include computers and accessories but also training, consultation and handling fees, delivery and intellectual property rights expenses, and taxes, among others.

Esguerra said Puentevella was not the proper person to “grill” or be held accountable, as he had nothing to do with the bidding or with the purchase of the allegedly overpriced computer packages.

She said it was Tirol who allegedly consummated the purchase of the computer packages and Puentevella’s only participation was to facilitate the release of funds from his PDAF.

Puentevella’s only concern was to facilitate the program on computer literacy for public school students, she added.

Esguerra alleged that the people “resurrecting” the old issue wanted to sabotage Puentevella’s programs, especially now that his administration is currently busy with the MassKara Festival.

Besides, these people don’t want Puentevella to succeed, she said.

The complaint against Puentevella was filed after broadcaster Donard Nojas sent a letter to the city council on Feb. 7, 2007, calling its attention to the allegedly anomalous purchase of computers using Puentevella’s PDAF.

This prompted Zamora, then the city legal officer, to create a committee to look into the allegations.

In its report, which was attached to the complaint filed with the Ombudsman-Visayas, the committee said the computer packages were “grossly overpriced.”

If the computers had been purchased locally, the committee said a computer set, 50 compact discs and instructional materials for elementary schools would cost only P130,000 each.

For high schools, a package of two computer sets, 80 CDs and instructional materials bought here would cost only P210,000 each, the committee added.