DBM Commits to Transparency in Laptop Procurement Case
MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has vowed full transparency and cooperation with the Office of the Ombudsman regarding the P2.4-billion DepEd laptop graft case. This pledge comes as charges are set to be filed against former officials of the DBM’s Procurement Service involved in the controversial purchase.
Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman emphasized the department’s commitment to transparency. “We respectfully acknowledge the Ombudsman’s decision and are committed to supporting their legal proceedings. Transparency is our priority at the DBM. Therefore, should the Office of the Ombudsman require any assistance related to this matter, we will fully cooperate,” she said in a Saturday statement.
Ombudsman Files Graft Charges Against Officials
In a detailed 106-page resolution dated July 6, the Ombudsman announced graft and falsification complaints against several former Department of Education (DepEd) and DBM officials. Among those charged are former DepEd Secretary Leonor Briones and PS-DBM chief Lloyd Christopher Lao.
The list also includes top DepEd officials such as Undersecretaries Annalyn Macam Sevilla and Alain Del Bustamante Pascua, Assistant Secretary Salvador Cacatian Malana III, Directors IV Abram Yap Chai Abanil and Marcelo Bragado, Undersecretary Alec Serquina Ladanga, and Supervising Administrative Officer Selwyn Carillo Briones.
From the Procurement Service of DBM, officers Jasonmer Lagarto Uayan, Ulysses Evangelista Mora, Marwan Amil, and Paul Armand Abando Estrada face charges as well. The DBM clarified that these procurement officials are no longer with the agency.
Additional Perjury Charges Filed
Alongside graft and falsification charges, the Ombudsman ordered perjury cases against Lao, Sevilla, and Uayan. They allegedly gave false testimony under oath before the Senate during the investigation.
Background of the Laptop Procurement Controversy
The controversy began in 2022 when the Commission on Audit flagged the procurement of laptops worth P2.4 billion. The laptops were reportedly outdated and overpriced, costing P53,800 each. This raised concerns as these units were intended for public school teachers to support distance learning during the pandemic.
The Senate Blue Ribbon Committee, chaired then by Senator Francis Tolentino, conducted a probe in 2022. Their report was forwarded to the Ombudsman, prompting the ongoing legal actions.
DBM and DepEd Ready to Cooperate
Both DBM and DepEd have expressed willingness to cooperate fully with the Ombudsman’s investigation. The DBM reiterated its commitment to transparency and accountability throughout the process.
This case highlights the government’s focus on ensuring integrity in public procurement, especially for essential educational resources.
For more news and updates on P2.4-billion DepEd laptop graft case, visit Filipinokami.com.
