The Senate Blue Ribbon committee found out that the contract for the supply and delivery of laptop computers for public school teachers was overpriced by at least P979 million.
Sen. Francis Tolentino, Blue Ribbon Committee chairman, presents on Thursday, Jan. 19, 2023 a copy of the committee report on the alleged overpriced and outdated laptops procured by the Department of Education during a press briefing at the Senate. Photo from the Senate’s Facebook page
In a virtual press briefing, DepEd spokesman Michael Poa said on Thursday, Jan. 19, they have yet to receive a copy of the committee report, but stressed they would “definitely consider those recommendations and findings so that we can also strengthen our internal controls in terms of procurement in DepEd.”
Poa said they will seek guidance from Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte regarding the steps forward, particularly with regard to the Senate’s recommendations to file criminal and administrative charges against some former and current education officials. The committee report stated that one count of falsification of public documents by a public official under the Revised Penal Code should be filed against Sevilla and former DepEd executive assistant Alec Ladanga.
“While they may seemingly act separately, concerted acts of evidence to create an opportunity for favored bidders to submit bloated and extensive bids leading to or overprice is the purchase of the laptops,” the committee said. The panel also found irregular the sharp increase in the price per unit of the laptops, which prompted fewer purchase of the equipment.
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