House probe sought on bid rigging allegations over DepEd’s P11B laptop purchase
One of the lawmakers implied that someone might have intervened during the bidding process, suggesting that “the bidding was rigged.” Photo from Canva
House lawmakers are moving to investigate allegations of irregularities in the procurement of laptops and other ICT materials under the Department of Education’s (DepEd) Computerization Program.
The program had a budget of over P11 billion for both 2022 and 2023, during which Vice President Sara Duterte led the agency.
On Sept. 2, Batangas 2nd District Representative Gerville Luistro introduced a motion to compel DepEd to release all bidding documents related to the program.
The appropriations committee approved her motion without objections. She also suggested that if the documents reveal any issues, lawmakers should consider launching a separate investigation.
The inquiry follows comments from Ako Bicol Representative Jil Bongalon, who raised questions about the procurement process. He claimed that out of 16 contract lots, 14 lots went through rebidding over disqualification. Two lots passed with only one bidder awarded.
Bongalon alleged that the initial bid had a price variance of 24% among bidders, which translates to a possible cost saving of P1.6 billion.
He also claimed that in the rebidding, the price variance among bidders was deflated to an average of 1%, taking away government’s opportunity for savings.
When asked on what occurred, DepEd Undersecretary for Procurement Gerard Chan said he is unable to offer answers as it is up to the bidders to set their prices.
“I can’t say, I don’t know what happened. It’s up to the bidders how they bid. Our role is to evaluate the documents,” Chen said in Filipino, defending the agency’s actions.
Chan surmised that during the rebid, prices may have changed due to customs duties, logistics costs and exchange rates.
Bongalon expressed skepticism about the integrity of the bidding, saying that “probably, there is an irregularity.”
He implied that someone might have intervened during the bidding process, suggesting that “in other words, the bidding was rigged.”
Luistro also wishes to know the feedback of the teachers on the quality of the procured devices.
“… I surmise that maybe these computers are not in good condition anymore,” Luistro added.
Vice President Duterte led DepEd from June 2022 until her resignation in June 2024, as her political alliance with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. weakened.
Her office has not yet responded to the allegations.
Former senator Sonny Angara, who replaced Duterte, attended the hearing to defend DepEd’s proposed budget for 2025, which amounts to P793.1 billion.
