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Manila Bulletin devider Technews devider NBI called on to exercise prudence over fintech requirements auction

NBI called on to exercise prudence over fintech requirements auction

Published Dec 14, 2022 03:14 pm

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) ought to exercise prudence in awarding the contract for its digital payments requirements, as one of the front-running bidders is laden with issues on its technological and financial capacity.

Good governance advocate and former lawmaker Jericho Nograles appealed to the NBI to wisely choose its financial technology (fintech) provider, saying that one of the participants in the auction has a track record full of irregularities.

The NBI is in the middle of auctioning off a contract for a fintech player to provide it with digital payments solutions for the NBI Clearance.

“We received reports that PisoPay is a front runner in the auction for the fintech requirements of the NBI. I am alarmed that PisoPay is still allowed to transact with the government despite being the main proponent in a fiasco with another line agency,” Nograles said.

In November 2021, Nograles led the Congressional inquiry on the irregular contract between the Bureau of Quarantine (BOQ) and PisoPay. It was revealed that PisoPay overcharged consumers in convenience fees to pay the International Certificate of Vaccination (ICV), or what is commonly referred to as the “yellow card.”

PisoPay did not undergo the required bidding process, the Congressional inquiries revealed. PisoPay’s net financial capacity was also incapable of entering contracts with the government.

This led to the BOQ dropping its contract with PisoPay.

According to Nograles, PisoPay’s convenience fee is too high, considering the effects of inflation on the common Pinoy. PisoPay is asking the NBI for P40 per transaction on top of the NBI processing fee of P130.

Moreover, PisoPay’s service kiosks have limited capability — that while they can accept applications, they cannot print out the clearance itself. The applicant still needs to go to the NBI office to get the printed material.

“The NBI should learn from the government’s previous experience with fintech companies that are laden with irregularities. I humbly call on the NBI to pay close attention to this auction to ensure that no injustice will be done to the Filipino people,” Nograles said.

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