COA tabs Zambales for buying P61M-worth of food, supplies from dubious vendors

The Commission on Audit (File photo from the Philippine Daily Inquirer)

MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Audit (COA) has flagged the provincial government of Zambales over its P61.123 million procurement of food and equipment for its COVID-19 response from companies selling books, office, and agricultural supplies.

In its 2020 audit report, COA said Zambales procured P35.42 million worth of canned goods from Ronie’s Trading in San Felipe, Zambales, a firm registered with the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) as a retailer of books, office and school supplies, newspapers, and magazines. The local company is also listed as a wholesaler of machinery and equipment supplies.

COA said the provincial government also bought P12.033 million worth of goods, rice, janitorial supplies, and equipment from LMVJ Trading in Pandi, Bulacan, a company registered with the BIR as a retailer of books, office and school supplies, newspapers, and magazines.

State auditors also found out that Zambales purchased 10.67 million worth of rice from J. Delos Santos Poultry and Agricultural Supply in Sta. Cruz, Zambales, a firm registered with the BIR as a retailer of agricultural farm supplies and equipment.

The audit report also showed that the provincial government bought P3 million worth of canned goods from GMJ Trading in Botolan, Zambales, a company registered as a retailer of books, office and school supplies, newspapers, and magazines with BIR. The company is also engaged in the selling of office machines and equipment as well as food, beverages, and tobacco.

“In view of the foregoing lapses, the discrepancies noted in the permits and registrations of the suppliers and the subsequent awarding of the contracts in their favor is questionable,” COA said.