Probe of PITC urged for failed delivery of P1-B PNP supplies

MANILA, Philippines — A group has asked senators to conduct an inquiry into the alleged failure of the Philippine International Trading Corp. (PITC) to deliver over P1 billion worth of equipment to the Philippine National Police since 2016.

In separate letters to Senators Panfilo Lacson, Richard Gordon and Ronald dela Rosa, the Change Movement said the Commission on Audit (COA) revealed in its latest audit report that the PITC had so far delivered only P311 million worth of supplies out of the more than P1.3 billion that the PNP had released for various procurement projects.

Lawyer Buenaventura Go-Soco Jr., the group’s executive director, said the delay in the procurement process of the PITC, now headed by former Laguna board member Dave Almarinez, should prompt the Senate to review the two Marcos-era edicts that allowed it to procure items on behalf of state agencies.

“This failure [of PITC] to perform its mission and mandate has repercussions on the ability of the PNP to make maximum use of the budget granted to it to promote peace and order in the country,” Soco said in his Sept. 10 letter.

“Also, it shows … major defects in the procurement system at PITC that, in this particular case, jeopardize the antiterrorist and counterinsurgency programs of the government,” he said.

In its 2019 audit report, the COA had recommended to the PNP to demand the return of the funds it released to the PITC for the procurement of assault rifles, vehicles and other equipment.

The low delivery rate of 23.08 percent defeats the intention to which the PNP engaged the services of PITC, COA said.