Ombudsman starts probe of P243-M BFP bid mess

MANILA, Philippines - The Office of the Ombudsman has begun its investigation of the alleged anomalies in the bidding for P243 million worth of firefighting equipment at the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), insiders said Friday.

The Office of the Deputy Ombudsman for Military and Other Law Enforcement Agencies is looking into allegations that Chief Superintendent Samuel Perez blocked the awarding of a P234-million contract to a winning bidder last month even after it was already approved by three different bids and awards committees (BACs) and Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo.

Perez – who faces charges for violating the country’s laws on graft and government procurement, as well as the code of conduct for government officials and employees – may also be put under preventive suspension before he is allowed to answer the complaint filed against him by Kolonwel Trading Inc. last week, sources said.

Kolonwel said it bagged the 2010 contract to supply 4,197 helmets, gloves, coats and trousers, boots and other firefighting equipment but Perez reportedly declared a failure of bidding on Dec. 28, 2011 after two losing bidders complained.

Kolonwel said the complaints by the losing bidders were filed beyond the seven-day period after the first bidding and would require the payment of a protest fee amounting to P2.4 million or one percent of the approved budget for the contract. The firm said the government was not paid the protest fees, but Perez still acknowledged the complaints.

Last Tuesday, Bayan Muna party-list Rep. Teddy Casiño filed a resolution calling for a congressional investigation of what he referred to as the “dubious termination” of a P243-million government contract for fire fighting equipment allegedly to favor some regular suppliers of the BFP.