The controversy around the 40,000 “outdated” and “expensive” computers the Department of Education (DepEd) purchased is still ongoing. The most recent hearing revealed an inconsistency in the procurement procedure, rendering the entire operation illegitimate.
The Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the Department of Education (DepEd) and the Procurement Service – Department of Budget and Management (PS-DBM) was signed on May 28, 2021, according to remarks made by Marcelo Bragado Jr., a former director of procurement, during the Senate blue ribbon committee hearing on the laptop issue last September 15. However, the procurement’s invitation to bid was first issued in May last year.
READ: NO REPLACEMENT: DepEd Laptops for Teachers
Previously: DepEd: Laptop Deal Not Anomalous, Willing to Replac
If Bragado’s claim is accurate, the procurement would be flawed because there was no Memorandum of Agreement (MoA).
The Senators contend that Bragado’s comment suggests that the laptop purchase by DepEd was an evil and unlawful deal.
“At that time, there was no MOA? Even though we’ve been discussing this for the last two meetings, we thought there was MOA signed as early as February 16. Is that what you’re saying? Still no MOA?” — Senate Minority Leader Koko Pimentel.
Marcelo Bragado Jr. of the DepEd Procurement Management Service has been granted immunity. Photo by Voltaire F. Domingo for the Senate PRIB
“In effect, this whole procurement is defective. There’s no legal basis. We spent P2.4 billion without an MOA. They asked for a quotation and filed an invitation to bid without an MOA. Is that an accurate description, Atty. Bragado?” — Senator Sherwin Gatchalian.
Atty. Bragado responded, “It would appear, your honor, that you are correct. Because based on the documents I have and my recollection, I have the MOA signed only last May 28, 2021.”
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