NV board halts purchase of high-end cell phones

BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya , Philippines   â€“ Amid a public outcry, the provincial board has backed off from its planned acquisition of high-end mobile phones for each of its 12 members worth a total of P2 million.

Vice Gov. Epifanio Galima, the board’s presiding officer, said the board instead decided to apply for postpaid schemes being offered by telecommunication providers for them to acquire cell phones and other gadgets.

“The monthly bills will be drawn from each of the board member’s allotted communication allowances. This is cheaper than buying brand new ones,” he said.

The board members, however, pushed through with their acquisition of 12 sport utility vehicles worth P18 million as their service cars, despite public clamor that the funds be used instead for more pressing needs of the province.

The bidding for the purchase of the brand new vehicles – five Toyota Fortuners, four Nissan Navarras, two Mitsubishi Monteros, and an Isuzu D-Max – is expected to be completed by the end of the month.

Galima defended their procurement of vehicles as a matter of necessity and belied reports of alleged irregularities in the bidding, which he said is being conducted in accordance with the procurement law.

“It’s not a luxury but a necessity. Having their own service vehicles (will make) our board members more mobile and efficient,” he said.

The budget for the acquisition of new vehicles and communication gadgets is part of the P25.1-million Appropriation Ordinance 2013-245, which the provincial board passed in August last year with the approval of Gov. Ruth Padilla.

Novo Vizcayanos here and abroad said the “spending spree” of the board members only shows their “insensitivity” to the more pressing needs of their constituents.

Besides mobile phones, also included in the approved budget was the acquisition of 14 tablets, 14 laptops with printers, 14 pocket Wi-Fi devices, 14 cameras, 15 swivel chairs, a microwave oven, a coffee maker, a hot and cold water dispenser, and curtains for the offices of the vice governor and board members.

“Instead of prioritizing the more pressing needs of the province like improvement of roads and health facilities and generating livelihood, the board members went on to satisfy their own personal needs,” said former labor leader Norma Navoa of Solano town.