MANILA, Philippines – Camarines Sur Rep. Rolando Andaya Jr. on Wednesday insisted that during his time as budget secretary, there was no bidding of government projects or awarding of contracts before a budget bill is enacted into law.
Andaya made the statement after Budget Secretary Benjamin Diokno claimed that early procurement activities started under Andaya’s term as budget secretary.
“During my time, there were no biddings and awards prior to the effectivity of the General Appropriations Act. Such activities commenced only after the enactment of the national budget,” Andaya said in a statement.
Andaya pointed out that his time was unlike the current “norm” wherein biddings for projects are conducted before the signing of the national budget and before the law authorizing such expenditures is passed.
“We are fed up with Sec. Diokno’s lies and evasive antics. Sa korte na lang siya magpaliwanag,” Andaya said.
Diokno claimed that early procurement activities have been allowed since 2009 during the Arroyo administration when Andaya served as budget secretary.
Andaya earlier alleged that contractors already paid commissions or cash advances for infrastructure projects under the P75 billion additional budget of the Department of Public Works and Highways for 2019. / gsg
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