DAR probe gathers officials, suppliers in supply fiasco

By Florence F. Hibionada

Key officials and employees of the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) provincial office here has been called in to shed light on the controversies hounding the department.  Such, alongside suppliers who likewise stand as resource persons in the ongoing probe called for by DAR Provincial Director Ric Fernandez.

The three-man team was created in the wake of controversy generated by recent office supply purchases which has since been subject of media attention.  The matter was exposed anew in a series of reports made over Bombo Radyo Iloilo that prompted the investigation.

Lawyer Joseph Areno, Felina Toroy and Joy Fuentes comprised the probe panel with DAR insiders confirming to The News Today (TNT) of said probe set to conclude this week.

With the investigation underway for days now, focus of the team was on efforts aimed at ascertaining the validity of the claims.  It is also expected of the probe body to come up with a report and corresponding recommendations that would either confirm or dismiss the alleged irregularities as reported and carried for days by the media.

To recall, the recent controversy stemmed from the questions raised on the propriety of the erasures made on a Purchase Order (PO) of office supplies valued over P120,000.  The issue gave birth to other DAR procurements also questioned for possible irregularities.
Sources told The News Today of probe findings that confirmed apparent lapses of DAR for allowing participation of suppliers not duly authorized for the office supply transaction.

Among those called thus far by the probe team are key DAR figures belonging to the General Services Section, principal canvasser of the department and the suppliers concerned.  No further specifics were readily available with TNT insiders saying probe results are highly-anticipated and has drawn significant interest from longtime DAR employees disgruntled over the matter.

Alfonso Bedonia, Assistant Regional Director of the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) said in a Bombo Radyo interview that generally, the questioned DAR transaction should have gone through usual public bidding procedures.

As for the erasures noticed and now questioned, Bedonia said such should not have occurred with the PO considered a ‘final document’ thus, not bearing any alterations or changes.

Bedonia himself expressed surprise how the procurement employed “canvassing” when common or ordinary office supplies are readily available on the government’s e-procurement service.