The Department of Education (DepEd) on Thursday denied solicitation allegations after receiving reports that its officials allegedly authorized and requested payments for government projects.
“The Department categorically denies and condemns these representations as false, baseless, and completely unauthorized,” the agency said in a statement.
“Any representation to the contrary is wholly unfounded and inconsistent with the standards of integrity required in all DepEd transactions,” it added.
In a public advisory, the agency said that ‘certain individuals’ allegedly used the names of the Secretary of Education, the Head of the Procuring Entity (HOPE), members of the Executive Committee for monetary purposes in relation to Notices of Award, Notices to Proceed, and other procurement transactions.
DepEd noted that its members have not requested or authorized suppliers, contractors, or bidders to give money, make deposits to private accounts, or provide any payment or consideration in connection with any government contract.
The agency also plans to pursue investigations and prosecutions for individuals proven to be involved in the unscrupulous acts.
Those who received such requests are strongly advised to avoid any transactions, preserve all evidence, and immediately report to DepEd, the Philippine National Police, and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) for appropriate actions, including entrapment.
“The Department remains firmly committed to integrity, transparency, and accountability in all its procurement and official transactions.”
DepEd has been implementing procurement reforms to improve transparency and monitoring of materials and services for schools, including textbooks, learning materials, information and communication technology equipment, and school infrastructure.
In May, the agency launched a centralized procurement information hub to enhance public accountability and data-driven monitoring of its deliverables. — Almira Louise S. Martinez