FILE PHOTO These mannequins wearing complete PPE suits that the Duterte government procured were used as props by former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque, Jr. during his briefing in Malacanang last September 6, 2021 to belie claims of overprice. Screengrab from RTVM
MANILA, Philippines — Senator Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III is seeking an investigation of the Department of Budget and Management – Procurement Service’s (DBM-PS) alleged “lack of diligence” in procuring P1.3 billion worth of personal protective equipment (PPE).
Pimentel filed Senate Resolution No. 141, dated August 15, urging the Senate blue ribbon committee to conduct an inquiry on the matter.
The Commission on Audit (COA) earlier flagged the DBM-PS, saying the agency “did not exercise due diligence” in its PPE purchase.
READ: COA flags ‘lack of due diligence’ in P1.38-B PPE purchase
“[O]ne of the most notable findings is on its failure to secure the required Certificate of Medical Device Notification (CMDN) in seven (7) of its procurement contracts of personal protective equipment (PPE) worth PI,386,525,308.60,” Pimentel’s resolution noted.
“[T]he DBM-PS must explain why it failed to require the said CMDN in 2 of its Technical Specifications (TS), and why it accepted the PPEs of 5 contracts despite non-compliance with the TS of the suppliers who failed to submit the required CMDN,” it read.
The absence of CMDN for PPEs makes the items unauthorized for sale or public use, the COA pointed out.
Aside from the PPE procurement probe, Pimentel has filed a resolution to look into the “overpriced, outdated” laptops for teachers that the Department of Education procured through DBM-PS.
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