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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider CHR acknowledges COA report, defends 'expedient' hiring of consultants in 2021

CHR acknowledges COA report, defends 'expedient' hiring of consultants in 2021

Published Jun 1, 2022 01:40 pm

Commission on Human Rights (CHR)

The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) has acknowledged the 2021 annual audit report of the Commission on Audit (COA) which flagged the agency for the hiring of 130 consultants with an aggregate contract of P24.45 million without market research.

However, CHR Executive Director Jacqueline Ann de Guia said the "expedient" hiring of consultants and technical services in the past years was "necessary and vital" for the CHR to deliver its mandate of defending human rights on various fronts.

"The CHR endeavored to provide timely response to the unprecedented challenges in human rights and the urgent demands of its key services," De Guia, a lawyer, said.

In its report, COA pointed out that market research is necessary before the hiring of consultants to get the most advantageous terms and costs of contracts.

It also noted that the hiring of certain specialists involving contract of service (COS) was not witnessed by a state auditor, as required by COA Circular No. 2021-003.

"CHR acknowledges the observation of the COA on the hiring of 130 consultants and granting of contract of service (COS) in various tasks and fields of expertise without undergoing market research, which is required under Republic Act No. 9184 or the Government Procurement Act (R.A. 9184)," De Guia said in a statement.

She assured COA and the public that the CHR has immediately acted upon its recommendations of the COA to comply with RA 9184, and has committed to improve and do better.

"The CHR Management immediately directed all CHR offices to strictly abide and start applying the procurement process in accordance with the said COA Audit Observation Memorandum. We also highlight that concrete outputs and tangible accomplishments were required from each consultant, which contributed to agency’s objectives," she stressed.

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