PNP Chief Bartolome asserts transparency of P1.2 B gun deal

ILOILO CITY , Philippines  — Amid reports that P1.2 billion PNP gun deal reeked with anomaly, PNP chief Director General Nicanor Bartolome declared that the bidding was transparent and credible.

Bartolome made the assertion last Friday in front of hundreds of Criminology students of the University of Iloilo in Iloilo City. “It was very transparent kasi may media nga in every stage that we do. May representative din from the DILG, NAPOLCOM, and from other stakeholders including those from the non-government organizations,” he said.

“It was the first time we were able to conduct (bidding) na ganito … with the presence of everyone and yet marami pa ring mga batikos,” he said.

The PNP chief justified that the winning bidder, Trust Trade of the Philippines, submitted the second lowest bid of P16,659.94 for each unit of Glock 17 Generation 4 pistol, which he insisted had passed a series of endurance firing and crack tests.

R. Espinelli Trading submitted the lowest bid but was disqualified due to its failure to pass all the necessary documents.

“But if we bought it (Glock pistol) outside, it will cost us around P40,000. Comparing the price, kalayo gid kayo… saving the government P200 million in the process. But just the same, daghan pa rin question on the bidding but we would address that. That’s how transparent the bidding process was,” Bartolome said.

The bidding started as early as June, then went through several phases and last September 10, after the functional tests, the contract was signed by PNP Logistics director Arnold Perez, on the side of the PNP, and a representative of Trust Trade.

“It was submitted to my office for my approval. I was given 15 days within which to approve or disapprove,” he said.

Last September 20, Bartolome said that he signed the notice of award to Glock Asia Pacific and its local partner, Trust Trade. Later on, at least two bidders came out and alleged there was irregularity in the bidding. “Just when the bidding cycle was completed and the contracts were signed ay ngayon lang sila nagsasalita ng ganyan. Why don’t they file charges? Why don’t they file official protest? Why are they telling this only to the media?”

Bartolome said the PNP is waiting for the official complaint so that it could answer it on the appropriate venue.

Presently, 49 percent of policemen in the country have been issued with firearms. The procurement of 59,904 pieces of brand-new .9mm semi-automatic pistols is seen to arm gun-less policemen, he said.

Meanwhile, Bartolome rebuffed speculations that he would soon retire from the service and work on preparations for the 2013 midterm elections instead. “My service my retirement is March 2013. I don’t think na mapapaaga ito like what they’re saying na either on October or November,” he said.

Bartolome said there was no request from Malacañang for him to retire earlier than his compulsory retirement. “If you can notice, the president said that he might ask me. Hindi naman categorically sinabi nya na I will retire as chief PNP,” he said.

There were reports that Bartolome might be named DILG undersecretary, replacing Rico Puno, but he said that the president had implied that the PNP chief might not get the post after all.

However, Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said that Bartolome might still be requested to relinquish his PNP post in preparations for the May 2013 polls. (FREEMAN)