Head of AFP Medical Center, 3 others probed for alleged P80-M procurement irregularity

From InterAksyon (Oct 13): Head of AFP Medical Center, 3 others probed for alleged P80-M procurement irregularity



AFP Medical Center (image from www.afpmedicalcenter.com)

The head of the Armed Forces of the Philippines Medical Center and three other officials are being investigated over the allegedly irregular procurement of P80 million worth of medical supplies.

The purchase allegedly did not undergo the required public bidding.

AFP chief of staff General Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr. reportedly ordered the investigation of AFPMC commander Brigadier General Normando T. Sta. Ana Jr., special disbursing officer Lieutenant Colonel Florencio Ritchie I. Capulong, Management and Fiscal Office chief Major Neil D. Bugarin, and acting ACS for Logistics Colonel Rogelio S. Del Rio based on a complaint submitted to the Office of the Ombudsman by a certain Renato Villafuerte.

A copy of the complaint was obtained by Interaksyon.com.

AFP spokesman Maj. Gen. Domingo Tutaan Jr.  has yet to respond to questions sent to his mobile phone on the reported "parallel probe" ordered by Catapang.

In the complaint, Villafuerta asked Morales to investigate Sta. Ana and the other repsondents for alleged malversation of funds in violation of Republic Act 9184, or the Government Procurement Reform Act of 2003.

InterAksyon.com sent repeated requests to the AFPMC Public Affairs Office for the side of Sta. Ana and the other respondents but has received no reply so far.

In his complaint, Villafuerte said the respondents allegedly circumvented Rule XVI of the Implementing Rules and Regulations of RA 9184, Section 48.2, which requires public bidding as a mode of procurement including "highly exceptional cases."

He said the respondents may also have violated Rule II, Sec. 7.1, which requires that "procurement should be within the appproved budget of he procuring entity."

He alleged that Capulong, with the approval of Sta. Ana, purchased the medicines and medical supplies from "favored suppliers" without bidding.

Aside from this, they also allegedly “requested realignment of funds amounting to (P)40 million to support the cash advance of Ltc Florencio Capulong," Villafuerte said.

"They also procure(d) medicines even without funds and procured on account. Millions na po ang utang nila kaya pagdating ng pondo ay halos ipangbayad na lang (Their debt runs to millions so when funds come these are almost all paid) through Cash Advance of Ltc Florencio Capulong," he added.

Villafuerte said the officers “have committed grave abuse of authority prejudicial to the interest of the government and also failed to adhere on the principle of transparency."

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/97178/head-of-afp-medical-center-3-others-probed-for-alleged-p80-m-procurement-irregularity