House probe set on arms deal

Surigao del Norte Rep. Prospero Pichay said yesterday the House defense committee, which he heads, is ready to probe alleged anomalies in the recent bidding by the Armed Forces for 105-mm. artillery ammunition.

In a statement, Pichay said he gave the written assurance last June 9 to Pakistan Ambassador Hikhar Hussain Kazmi in response to his letter of June 5 calling on the House of Representatives to look into the complaint of a Pakistan arms dealer.

M/s Nature Care Industries Inc., a representative of Pakistan Ordnance Factories, alleged in a letter-complaint to the Pakistan embassy that during the bidding for the ammunition, the Armed Forces Logistics Command’s bids and awards committee recommended the approval of a bid higher than that of M/sNCIPI.

In his reply to Kazmi, copies of which were sent to Defense Secretary Angelo Reyes and Armed Forces chief Gen. Narciso Abaya, Pichay said the committee has "taken seriously the said allegation."

Pichay reiterated his support for the speedy implementation of the Armed Forces modernization program, long delayed by bureaucratic red tape in the procurement process.

However, he said that due process and transparency should be observed in the procurement of goods and equipment for the Armed Forces. - Paolo Romero