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COA Flags Office Of Vice President For Not Complying With Procurement Rules On Satellite Offices
Photo credit: Inday Sara Duterte
The Commission on Audit (COA) has raised concerns regarding the Office of the Vice President's (OVP) immediate establishment of satellite offices without fully complying with procurement rules.
The agency said this took place when Vice President Sara Duterte assumed her post last year. COA discovered that the OVP had purchased properties worth over P668,000 for satellite offices in July 2022, failing to adhere to the relevant procurement procedures under Republic Act (RA) No. 9184.
According to the COA, the immediate establishment of OVP Satellite Offices (SOS) without adequate equipment to operate resulted in the OVP's procurement of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and Semi-Expendable Property, amounting to a total of P668,197.20.
They said these purchases were not fully compliant with the required processes and provisions outlined in RA No. 9184 and its Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR), rendering the purpose of the Procurement Law incomplete.
Upon conducting an audit, the COA found that the OVP had neglected to follow the necessary processes and procedures when acquiring the PPE and Semi-Expendable Equipment for their satellite offices. It added the management decided to immediately purchase the necessary items using the officers' cash, which was later reimbursed by the OVP.
It said that although the OVP attached a quotation to ensure they obtained the lowest price available in the market, their failure to undergo the proper procurement processes and procedures mandated by RA No. 9184 and its IRR undermines the essence of the Procurement Law.
The OVP has been urged to review and revise its procedures to align with the provisions of RA No. 9184 and its IRR. Furthermore, the COA has emphasized the importance of upholding transparency and accountability in all government transactions.
The OVP has yet to release an official statement regarding the COA's findings and recommendations.
The agency said this took place when Vice President Sara Duterte assumed her post last year. COA discovered that the OVP had purchased properties worth over P668,000 for satellite offices in July 2022, failing to adhere to the relevant procurement procedures under Republic Act (RA) No. 9184.
According to the COA, the immediate establishment of OVP Satellite Offices (SOS) without adequate equipment to operate resulted in the OVP's procurement of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and Semi-Expendable Property, amounting to a total of P668,197.20.
They said these purchases were not fully compliant with the required processes and provisions outlined in RA No. 9184 and its Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR), rendering the purpose of the Procurement Law incomplete.
Upon conducting an audit, the COA found that the OVP had neglected to follow the necessary processes and procedures when acquiring the PPE and Semi-Expendable Equipment for their satellite offices. It added the management decided to immediately purchase the necessary items using the officers' cash, which was later reimbursed by the OVP.
It said that although the OVP attached a quotation to ensure they obtained the lowest price available in the market, their failure to undergo the proper procurement processes and procedures mandated by RA No. 9184 and its IRR undermines the essence of the Procurement Law.
The OVP has been urged to review and revise its procedures to align with the provisions of RA No. 9184 and its IRR. Furthermore, the COA has emphasized the importance of upholding transparency and accountability in all government transactions.
The OVP has yet to release an official statement regarding the COA's findings and recommendations.
Jul 3, 2023
