Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 19) — The Commission on Audit (COA) wants the Office of the Ombudsman to investigate whether to file charges against state college officials for their alleged illegal purchase of a digital language laboratory system.
In a decision issued last March but uploaded to the COA website recently, state auditors granted a petition for money claims filed by Mars Laboratory Instruments Center (MLIC) against the Eulogio “Amang” Rodriguez Institute of Science and Technology (EARIST).
COA directed the state college located in Sta. Mesa, Manila to pay MLIC over ₱3.5 million.
State auditors flagged the transaction as the contract was not approved by the college’s board of trustees. It also specified the brand name of the software and projector which violates Republic Act 9184 or the Government Procurement Reform Act.
“Nonetheless, in view of violations of pertinent provisions of PD No. 1445 and RA 9184, the case shall be referred to the Office of the Ombudsman for investigation and filing of appropriate charges against the persons responsible for the transaction,” the COA said.
EARIST, represented by its president Dr. Eduardo Caillo, entered into a contract with MLIC for the supply, delivery, and installation of a digital language laboratory system.
These include interactive whiteboards, computers, multimedia projectors, and motorized projector screens, among other equipment.
While the contract was found to be irregular, the COA decided to grant MLIC’s money claim as it supplied and delivered the equipment as stated in the contract.
The COA also noted that the college continues to benefit from the installation of the equipment.
