PLO asks Ombud to fasttrack resolution of P1.3-M autoclave case
The Provincial Legal Office of Iloilo has called on the Ombudsman Regional Office (Visayas) to resolve “at the soonest possible time” the case pertaining to the alleged irregularities in the procurement of an autoclave sterilizer machine costing P1.348 million by the administration of former Gov. Niel Tupas Sr. in 2008.
In a motion dated Aug. 20, 2010, the PLO moved for the early resolution of the case docketed as CPL-V-08-0703 involving the purchase of the controversial autoclave sterilizer machine for the Don Valerio Palmares Sr. Memorial District Hospital in Passi City.
The Commission on Audit (COA) then disallowed its purchase due to the “existence of fraud” in its procurement.
In a notice of disallowance issued Nov. 11, 2008, the COA noted several discrepancies in the deal.
“Ocular inspection conducted by the COA-Technical Services Office on Aug. 21, 2008 (showed) the unit is not in accordance with the duly approved purchase order, has no nameplate indicating the name of the manufacturer, origin of the unit, brand name/model and power consumption, and brochure submitted does not indicate the product patent number,” the notice said.
“It was also found to be defective; thus the actual test was not performed at the time of the inspection,” it added.
The COA also found the “existence of fraud” in the procurement process based on the disbursement voucher and other supporting papers.
“The bidding participated by Pacific Trade House and CDC Pharmacy showed there was collusion between the two bidders. The disbursement voucher revealed that the person who received the check for payment in favor of Pacific Trade House was the authorized representative of CDC Pharmacy in the name of Ma. Cherry D. Alaban.”
The COA notice added: “It was also noted that the delivery receipt, signed by the Nurse-in-Charge supposedly issued by Pacific Trade House, bears the Taxpayer’s Identification Number of a Dione Trading. Further investigation revealed that this Dione Trading (which delivered the autoclave sterilizer) and CDC Pharmacy are owned by only one person.”
Held liable were former General Services Office chief Ramie Salcedo as Bids and Awards Committee chairman; Provincial Budget Officer Elena Lim as vice chairman; Provincial Engineer Gracianito Lucero; Provincial Treasurer Melba Sullivan; former Provincial Administrator Manuel Mejorada, and Executive Assistant Levy Buenavista.
Also held liable were former Gov. Niel Tupas Sr. for approving the transaction and Mercedes Sibug as supplier.*
