Poe wants probe into PNP’s P1.893-B purchase of patrol jeeps in 2015

Senator Grace Poe is set to conduct an inquiry into the Philippine National Police’s purchase of P1.893 billion worth of patrol vehicles later deemed "disadvantageous" due to various problems, following a Commission on Audit report.

Poe said that as early as 2014, she had already expressed serious concerns about the way the terms of reference for the bidding were crafted.

"[The terms] apparently were tailored-fit for Mahindra, effectively eliminating all the other more known brands with track record and countrywide presence as far as service centers are concerned from competing,” she said in a press statement.

"These COA findings validate my concerns to a large extent. I will push for an inquiry to look into these and determine the culpability of the PNP officials, among others," she added.

In a letter dated November 4, 2014 to then PNP chief Alan Purisima, Poe asked for details of the acquisition amid reports "that there are companies which are new and without service centers which are being favored."

The PNP procured patrol vehicles from Mahindra Enforcer and Mahindra Scorpio in 2015.

In its report, COA said it interviewed police officers using the Mahindra vehicles and found out that 57.20 percent or more than half of them were unsatisfied with their overall performance.

It said the most common complaint was the vehicles' high fuel consumption. Other complaints cited frequent breakdowns, poor after-sales services, and a limited availability of spare parts that "impacted on its vision of a more capable, effective and credible police force."

The COA blamed the problem on the PNP's failure to conduct an "operational needs assessment" before buying the vehicles which "pushed back the full attainment of the objective of the Capability Enhancement Program (CEP) of the PNP."

The audit agency said the non-evaluation of the actual performance of the initial 1,656 Mahindra vehicles bought before buying additional units resulted in 206 units' not being effectively utilized out of the total 2,054 units purchased. — BM, GMA News