7 PLM execs fired over P1.1-M van

For buying a P1.1-million utility van without first holding a public bidding, the president and six other officials of the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila (PLM) were ordered dismissed by the Office of the Ombudsman.

PLM acting president Jose Roy III, vice president for finance and planning Angelita Solis and other PLM officials Cecilia Calma, Angeles Ramos, Eloisa Macalinao, Felix Aspiras and Albert de la Cruz were dismissed for grave misconduct.

Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales also perpetually barred them from holding public office in addition to the forfeiture of their retirement benefits.

The seven officials were axed over the purchase of a Hyundai Starex van worth P1.1 million in 2006.

Morales said the university officials did not conduct a public bidding and “unlawfully resorted to direct contracting as a mode of procurement.” She also refused to accept their defense that they resorted to direct contracting due to the “urgency of the end-user’s need.”

The PLM officials “deliberately disregarded the requirements of Republic Act No. 9184, or the Government Procurement Reform Act, to favor and give benefits to the dealer of the Hyundai Starex van,” she said.

Morales added that the Commission on Audit had also disallowed the van’s purchase for not being in compliance with government procurement regulations and the university’s lack of an annual procurement plan.