‘DepEd should explain budget process’

Based on the 28 invitation to bid (ITB) published by the Department of Education in the Inquirer in 2017, the DepEd procured P24.4 billion worth of products and services from various suppliers.

The DepEd this year published only four ITB worth P1.7 billion.

Why is there such a big discrepancy? Does this not send the message that something is not right with this year’s procurement process at the DepEd?

It implies that: (1) the department is not utilizing its stupendous budget allocation of P553 billion properly by not purchasing any product or service other than the four subjects of its four published ITB; and that (2) the DepEd is getting its supplies and services without bothering to publish ITB to encourage public bidding, and without following the correct process and procedure of procurement as mandated by law.

The Christmas season has now been rendered even more merry as people stand on the sidelines to watch a parliament of crows squabble over who gets to spend how much of the people’s money for their personal and proprietary use.

The public needs to know who between the Department of Budget and Management and the House of Representatives is telling the truth on how the national budget is being used, misused or abused.

The DepEd, on the other hand, needs to  explain why it went to market only four times this year, when it had so much money it should be spending wisely and well.

What is all that money doing s eeping in the bank or, worse perhaps, lining some very deep and hungry pockets?

ANTONIO CALIPJO GO, academic supervisor, Marian School of Quezon City