The Department of Education (DepEd) reaffirmed its commitment to a “fair and transparent” procurement process on Tuesday, Nov. 5, and assured the public that there is no corruption within its current leadership.
“Walang korapsyon sa pamununo ni Secretary Sonny Angara (There is no corruption under the leadership of Secretary Sonny Angara),” DepEd said in an advisory, reiterating its commitment to “fair and transparent procurement” processes.
“We strongly condemn any corrupt practices in DepEd’s procurement activities,” DepEd said. “Any individual or entity found guilty will face severe consequences, including blacklisting and criminal charges,” it added.
Zero tolerance
DepEd emphasized its adherence to Republic Act No. 9184, or the Government Procurement Reform Act, to “ensure equal opportunity for all qualified bidders at all levels—from the Central Office to our public schools.”
On Oct. 30, DepEd also issued a memorandum reiterating its commitment to a fair and transparent bidding process while warning against corrupt practices.
Signed by Undersecretary and Head of Procuring Entity Peter Irving Corvera, DepEd memorandum No. 61, series of 2024, aims to “ensure the public of its strong adherence to the highest level of transparency and professionalism in all bidding processes” within the department.
“This memorandum is issued to reinforce DepEd’s commitment to good governance and the proper stewardship of public resources, ensuring that all procurement activities serve the best interests of the Filipino people,” the memo said.
Fair, transparent bidding process
DepEd reminded all stakeholders that bidding activities must be conducted in strict adherence to the principles of transparency, competitiveness, and accountability as outlined in RA 9184.
“All qualified bidders will have an equal opportunity to participate and be considered in every procurement process, without any undue preference or advantage granted to any party,” DepEd affirmed.
Under Angara’s leadership, DepEd reiterated its commitment to establishing an “open, transparent, and efficient procurement process” within the agency that will “foster confidence in the procurement process and enhance procurement integrity.”
“To this end, the Department shall ensure that no bidder shall be favored, given undue advantage, or accorded preferential treatment in any form,” DepEd said. “This is in keeping with the DepEd mandate to protect and promote the right of every Filipino to quality, equitable, culture-based basic education,” it added.
Warning against corrupt practices
Moreover, DepEd issued a stern reminder to the public, bidders, contractors, suppliers, consultants, and Department officials and employees involved in procurement activities.
“Any activity, behavior, or practice that undermines the integrity of the procurement process, defeats competition, manipulates the bidding process, unduly favors or gives preference to any bidder, or unnecessarily prolongs the bidding procedure shall not be tolerated within DepEd,” the agency warned.
“DepEd remains steadfast in its duty to uphold procurement integrity and combat all forms of graft and corruption,” it added.
Meanwhile, DepEd noted that any individual or entity found in violation of RA 9184 and RA 6713, the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees, will be held “accountable to the fullest extent of the law, facing criminal, civil, and administrative sanctions.”
DepEd further warned bidders, suppliers, contractors, and consultants that it will not hesitate to initiate blacklisting proceedings when warranted, which will result in disqualification from participation in any government bidding.
“Any DepEd official or employee found guilty of participating in such illegal activities shall face severe disciplinary actions, including dismissal from service, without prejudice to the filing of criminal charges,” the agency said.
Report violations
As part of its efforts to combat corruption, DepEd appealed to the public for support and encouraged the reporting of any information regarding possible illegal or corrupt activities in its procurement processes.
Concerned individuals may report any suspicious activity anonymously at [email protected].
“Your reports will be treated with the utmost confidentiality and in accordance with data privacy laws,” DepEd assured the public.
DepEd also encouraged the public to “directly report any nefarious activity” to relevant law enforcement agencies, such as the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), for entrapment, investigation, and the filing of formal criminal charges.