THE Department of Budget and Management (DBM) said it will suspend officials and employees of the Procurement Service of the agency allegedly involved in the purchase of overpriced laptops for the Department of Education.
The Office of the Ombudsman had earlier ordered the PS-DBM to suspend those involved in the controversial purchase.
“We have received the order of DBM secretary Amenah Pangandaman to fully implement the ruling of the Office of the Ombudsman concerning former and current Procurement Service (PS) and DBM officials on their alleged involvement in the purchase of overpriced laptops for the DepEd,” the agency said in a statement yesterday.
“PS-DBM assures the public that it will strictly carry out the directive of the DBM secretary to issue a suspension order for current PS-DBM officials and employees, in compliance with the Ombudsman’s order,” it added.
The agency said that in August 2022, the PS-DBM management requested the National Bureau of Investigation to conduct a separate investigation to see if there were any irregularities or violations of the law involving the procurement of the DepEd laptops.
The DBM said this move is in line with the budget chief’s order to promote reforms, establish a culture of integrity, honesty, and professionalism, and raise the bar of openness in governance within the PS-DBM.
It also ensures an unbiased investigation, the agency said.
