Bidding ‘irregularities’ found in DOST’s P5.1-M science bus project

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) was asked to explain alleged irregularities in bidding procedures surrounding its mobile science bus project last year.

In a 2012 report released last week, the Commission on Audit (COA) said the contract purchase of a mobile science bus costing P5.1 million was awarded to an ineligible bus company whose line of business – “bus line operation” – is contrary to existing laws, rules and regulations.

“There was also absence of complete detailed contract and/or agreement for the supply of the said mobile science bus and no amended contract for the extension of work/time to justify the late delivery of mobile bus,” the COA said.

State auditors said the DOST must require the chairman of the Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) to submit a justification for awarding the project to the ineligible lone bidder identified as Genesis Transport Services Inc.

The company failed to submit all the documentary requirements as provided under Republic Act 9184, the Procurement Law, they added.

State auditors said the procurement of laboratory supplies and equipment for the mobile science bus worth P977,000 was split into five different requisitions and/or purchase orders to avoid procurement through public bidding.

“Instead, they were acquired through shopping from only one supplier in violation of RA 9184 and COA Circulars Nos. 76-41 and 85-55-A as amended, dated July 30, 1976 and Sept. 8, 1985, respectively, rendering the transactions irregular,” they said.

State auditors advised DOST to require the chairmen of the central office BAC and the Shopping and Small Value Procurement Committee to strictly adhere to the provisions of the Procurement Law and other rules, regulations and policies relative to the procurement of goods, infrastructure projects and consulting services to promote good governance and adherence to transparency, accountability, efficiency and economy.

DOST officials were advised to impose legal and or administrative sanctions on those found liable for the splitting of the procurement for the mobile science bus laboratory supplies and equipment.

In a phone interview with The STAR, Science and Technology  Secretary Mario Montejo said he was not familiar with the questioned mobile science bus deal, but that he will check with the concerned officials.

Montejo said he will ask the officials involved in the bidding about the issues that COA is raising.

The DOST is strict about complying with the rules and regulations on procurement, he added.  – Michael Punongbayan, Rainier Allan Ronda