by Michael Vincent D. Cajulao
ZAMBOANGA CITY, Dec. 6 (PIA) – A Department of Education 9 official is now being investigated for anomalous acquisition of textbooks worth P19.8 M last year.
According to a reliable source, the purchase of textbooks did not pass through proper bidding and was over-priced from P300.00 per book to P480.00.
The source furthered that, “The official and his cohort got P9 M as kickbacks and commission”.
The investigation started after books were distributed in 36 schools in the city this year. Investigation revealed that the deal was sealed last year silently. It appeared that only a few knew of the purchase.
As the news reached the city government, Mayor Celso Lobregat immediately called the source to shed light on the said anomaly. The City Council’s Committee on Education is currently exerting all possible efforts to determine the allegations and prosecute those liable.
The source decried the stealing of the funds that were intended for the improvement of education here.
“While the city government and all local officials are helping DepEd in the construction of school buildings and acquisition of computer laboratories for the school children, this official is feasting on and stealing millions of pesos from the people”, the source lamented.
Authorities have not yet released names of liable persons so as not to jeopardize ongoing investigation. (JPA/MVC/PIA-ZBST, with news from Allen Abastillas)