Davide: No need to probe “overpricing”

CEBU, Philippines - Following the termination of the officer-in-charge of the Provincial Social Development Office, Cebu Governor Hilario Davide III sees no need to investigate the issue of “overpricing” involving the former OIC.

Davide last week relieved Evelyn Senajon as OIC of the PSWDO, citing irregularities in the procurement of relief goods for the Yolanda victims. Although the governor believed that no overpricing took place during the purchase of the relief goods for typhoon victims in northern Cebu, he explained that Senajon deviated from the procedure in purchasing the commodities.

The issue of overpricing has nothing to do with the termination of Senajon as acting head of the PSWDO. However, Davide considered Senajon’s failure to convene with the Bids and Awards Committee  as a ground for termination.

“Wa tay plano paimbestigahan. Ang importante nga miagi pa unta og BAC. It was inappropriate katong action ni Evelyn (Senajon) sa pag-purchase,” he said.

Shortly after Yolanda ravaged areas in Visayas last year, the Department of Budget and Management announced the implementation of the emergency procurement in order to expedite the purchasing process for the relief efforts. This allowed agencies directly involved in post-Yolanda operations to procure goods and services through negotiated procurement rather than by competitive procurement, which usually takes months to conclude.

Davide said that though there was no need for the bidding of commodities, such as, the P5 million worth of sardines included in the relief packs, Senajon could have just convened the BAC.

“Naay general rule diha nga i-exempt sa bidding. But iya unta gihapon gi-convene ang committee, miyembro man siya. Kay sa procurement, we have to find the prize nga advantageous sa government,” he explained.

Davide designated provincial administrator Mark Tolentino as PSWDO concurrent head. — (FREEMAN)