DBM: Call for probe of proposed DepEd laptop purchase 'premature'

The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) on Thursday quelled concerns regarding the bidding for 39,000 laptop computers for public school teachers, which it said it still ongoing.

In a statement, the DBM responded to House of Representatives Deputy Speaker Bernadette Herrera-Dy who called for a probe on what she called a questionable bidding process.

"The bidding process is ongoing and no contract has been awarded. Thus, Rep. Herrera-Dy's call for a Congress probe is not only premature but grossly unfair," the DBM said in a statement.

"By prejudging the bidder selection process, she is, in fact, trying to influence the final outcome of the PS-DBM's procurement decision," it added, referring to the Procurement Service.

Herrera-Dy on Wednesday questioned why the contract for the supply and delivery of laptop computers was supposedly set to be awarded not to the lowest bidder.

The lawmaker said she received information that contract was practically secured by the second-lowest bidder at almost P2.3 billion, which she claimed was P167 million higher than the lowest bid.

"PS-DBM would like to reiterate that government projects are not automatically awarded to the bidders with the lowest bid but to bidders with the lowest calculated responsive bid (LCRB)," the DBM said.

The LCRB is defined as the lowest bid from a technically, legally, and financially capable supplier compliant with technical specifications as required and stated on the bidding documents.

"In light of these misinformed claims and allegations, PS-DBM urges Rep. Herrera-Dy to refrain from making premature remarks and to be enlightened of the procurement process," the DBM said.

"We also call on the legislators to accord PS-DBM employees the presumption of good faith and regularity as they are merely faithfully performing their duties as public servants," it added. —NB, GMA News