THE Commission on Audit is seeking a review by graft investigators of the records and processes of Davao Regional Medical Center’s (DMRC) purchase of P875,200 worth of hospital equipment in 2015.
In a decision released last week, the COA Commission Proper said it found anomalies in the actions of the officials of the government hospital that are contrary to the provisions of RA 9184 or the Government Procurement Reform Act and its Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR).
This pronouncement was based on the answer of the Department Health—Director of Legal Service noting that the DRMC created an “artificial procurement entity” supposedly at the guidance of the Government Procurement Policy Board — Technical Support Office.
On the other hand, it was the Cluster Bids and Awards Committee (BAC), composed of various officials from other procurement entities, that conducted the procurement process.
The DOH Financial Management Service declined to give its opinion on the transaction, noting that the deal was strictly between the DRMC and supplier Dynasty Pharmaceuticals.
“The procurement of the hospital and medical equipment was tainted with irregularities, particularly, the creation of an artificial PE, the appointment of HOPE to the Cluster PE, and the creation of the Cluster BAC that is composed of various officials from various PEs, all of which do not find support in RA No. 9184 and its IRR,” the COA said.
