MALAYA
Opposition congressmen said yesterday an assistant secretary was forced to resign after he refused to follow his boss’ order to sign a purchase order for computer sets which did not go through the proper bidding process,
House minority leader Edcel Lagman and Zambales Rep. Milagros Magsaysay refused to identify the “boss,” a Cabinet secretary, but said his initials are “RC,” obviously referring to Secretary Ricky Carandang of the Presidential Communications Development and Strategic Planning Office.
Carandang said the assistant secretary, Reginald Tonggol, resigned on July 28 after he was given a talking to.
“We were taking so long in procuring office computers. It took him eight months. He didn’t know the procurement process. Nagmamarunong siya,” Carandang said.
Tongol’s online profile showed that prior to his stint in Carandang’s office, he was an associate at the Chato & Vinzons-Chato Law Office, the political affairs officer of Rep. Liwayway Vinzons-Chato. He got his law degree from the Ateneo de Manila University.
Carandang also said it took Tonggol eight months to work on the P1.6-million procurement. He said he consulted with the Department of Budget and Management executives who told him that his office was following the wrong procedure.
“I took him aside. I told him, if you can’t do your job, you may want to look for another job because you’re not doing the office any good. He wasn’t performing. He didn’t say anything but the next day, he resigned,” he said.
Lagman said the “asec” had a response to his boss. “I am a lawyer and I know the procurement law. Pwede ako makulong to sign a document that did not go through bidding,” Lagman quoted the lawyer as saying.
Lagman also said the assistant secretary “resigned out of disgust.”
He said the superior wanted to buy P1.6 million worth of computer sets using his credit card.
Magsaysay asked President Aquino to “make the secretary resign” because “he is not following the `(anti-)utak wang-wang policy.’”
“We in the minority will stand up and cheer him if he does what he says. It should start with his administration so everyone will follow,’’ she said.
Carandang said the procurement of the laptops no longer needed bidding because there were already two failed biddings due to lack of suppliers. He said he got the new computers on August 2.
Carandang said the allegation that his office obtained the laptops in a less-than-forthcoming manner is “a lie, and reeks of malevolent intent and political machinations.” He said the opposition lawmakers should check their facts first.
He said the negotiated purchase was based on rules of the biddings and awards committee which holds meetings with a government auditor.
“All purchases were made at market prices with a scrupulous regard for the people’s money. Anyone who wishes to see the documents and receipts is welcome to do so,” he said.
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