Latest news with #RepublicActNo.3019
GMA Network
12-07-2025
- Politics
- GMA Network
DepEd vows to cooperate with Ombudsman amid order to file graft charges vs. Briones, Lao
The Department of Education (DepEd) on Saturday said it is fully committed to cooperating with the Office of the Ombudsman after its order to file graft and falsification charges against former Education Secretary Leonor Briones, former Budget Undersecretary Christopher Lao, and several former education officials regarding the 'pricey' P2.4 billion laptops purchased in 2020. 'DepEd reiterates its full commitment to cooperate with the Office of the Ombudsman in the expeditious and fair resolution of this case. The Department is ready to provide all necessary documents, information, and other forms of assistance to ensure accountability and to protect the interest of the public,' DepEd said in a statement. DepEd said it was already informed of the filing of an Information for Violation of Section 3 (e) of Republic Act No. 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, Falsification by Public Officers under Article 171 of the Revised Penal Code (RPC), and Perjury under Article 183 of the RPC against several of its former officials. 'Officials subject of the charges no longer hold any position in or maintain any connection with the Department,' DepEd said. The laptops, priced at P58,300 each with an outdated Celeron processor, were purchased by the Department of Education for the implementation of distance learning amid the COVID-19 pandemic. It was deemed 'pricey' by the Commission on Audit. 'The new bidding parameters, i.e. lower quantity and higher unit price, were reflected in the bidding documents and was used in the bidding process... These parameters facilitated the overprice and the consequent undue injury and gross disadvantage to the government,' the Ombudsman said. The Ombudsman said that the approved series of requests for extensions to deliver the laptops, requests to change payment terms, and other adjustments to the contract terms and conditions which, taken together, 'betray an unusually deferential treatment and favor towards the Joint Venture consortium.' The Ombudsman added that the DepEd supply officers often received feedback stating that the computers they had purchased were: overpriced vis-à-vis the outdated or inferior technical specifications; unable to handle multiple applications at the same time; defective or fast-draining battery; quite slow to boot-up; and immediately returned by the recipients, who opted to wait for better laptop models. —Jamil Santos/ VAL, GMA Integrated News
GMA Network
26-06-2025
- Politics
- GMA Network
DepEd vows accountability, clean hiring, no ‘pay-for-position'
The Department of Education (DepEd) on Wednesday reaffirmed its zero tolerance policy against "pay-for-position" schemes, condemning all forms of corruption involving appointments, promotions, and designations within the agency. In a statement, DepEd emphasized that all personnel movements must be based strictly on merit, fitness, and competence, in line with civil service laws and established rules. 'Any act of soliciting, offering, or receiving money, favors, or undue advantage in exchange for an appointment, promotion, or reassignment is a grave offense,' the agency warned, noting that such acts are punishable under Republic Act No. 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, and may lead to administrative, civil, and criminal penalties. The department called on educators, staff, and the public to report any such corrupt practices directly to the Office of the Secretary, the DepEd Central Office, or law enforcement agencies such as the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI)and the Philippine National Police (PNP). 'The Department guarantees that all complaints will be treated with strict confidentiality,' the statement read, adding that whistleblowers will be protected through appropriate safeguards. In a separate message, Education Secretary Sonny Angara gave a firm warning against individuals exploiting the system for personal gain. 'Sa ilalim ng aking pamumuno, hindi ko pahihintulutan ang anumang uri ng katiwalian sa loob ng Kagawaran ng Edukasyon, kasama diyan ang mga nababalitang pagbebenta ng posisyon o pagtanggap ng kapalit para sa trabaho, promosyon, o puwesto,' Angara said. (Under my leadership, I will not tolerate any form of corruption within the Department of Education, including reports of selling positions or receiving favors in exchange for jobs, promotions, or assignments.) 'Hindi makatarungan na may mga gustong paikliin ang proseso kapalit ng pera o impluwensiya, habang dumadaan ang karamihan sa maayos, patas, at legal na paraan. Dapat tayo ay may kakayahan, integridad, at malasakit sa bansa at kabataang Pilipino,' he added. (It is unjust that some people try to shortcut the process using money or influence, while others go through it fairly and legally. We must be guided by competence, integrity, and compassion for our country and the Filipino youth.) 'Kung may sinumang lalabag, asahan ninyong hindi kami magdadalawang-isip na isuplong sila sa kinakaukulan. Papanagutin sila ng ating batas at papatawan ng nararapat na parusa,' Angara said. (If anyone violates this, you can be sure we will not hesitate to report them to the authorities. They will be held accountable and punished under the law.) DepEd urged all its personnel to remain vigilant and uphold the values of integrity and professionalism, stressing: 'Positions in the Department are earned—not bought." — Sherylin Untalan/BM, GMA Integrated News
