Ombudsman stops Marinduque purchase of computers

Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez has blocked the Marinduque government's release of P14.7-million for the purchase of allegedly overpriced personal computers. In a two-page order, Gutierrez told Marinduque Gov. Carmencita Reyes and other local officials "to cease and desist" from paying Pisces Publishing Inc. the amount "while this issue of anomalous procurement is still under investigation." Citing the initial probe of its Field Investigation Office, the Office of the Ombudsman said that in June 2010, the Marinduque government bought 53 units of computers at P278,000 each, for a total of more than P14.7 million. The computers were for the province's Day Care Center Computer-based Learning Development Package. However, private citizen Pedrito Nepomuceno filed a complaint before the Ombudsman's FIO claiming the transaction was anomalous. Following the investigation, FIO Intelligence Bureau acting director Beda Epres said the procurement for the computers "did not conform with the conditions and procedures for Direct Contracting as stipulated in the Manual of Procedures for Procurement of Goods and Services" for local government units and the implementing rules and the regulations of the Government Procurement Reform Act. The Office of the Ombudsman said it can order the Marinduque to cease and desist with the purchase, by virtue of Section 15(2) of the Republic Act No. 6770, or the Ombudsman Act of 1989. The provision says the Ombudsman has the power to compel any government officer and employee to “perform and expedite any act or duty required by law, or to stop, prevent and correct any abuse or impropriety". —VS, GMANews.TV