#coa report

It was the PS-DBM that directly had full control over the procurement, including pricing and item specifications," Briones said in a statement sent to reporters. "According to the [Commission on Audit] in its annual audit report, instead of utilizing its own Bidding and Awards Committee (BAC), the DepEd coursed the procurement through the Department of Budget and Management - Procurement Service (DBM-PS)," the lawmakers cited. Source (1) (2) (3) ALSO READ: DepEd spent ~Php 60K each for thousands of Celeron-powered laptops in 2021 –COA report   The Commission on Audit (COA) has flagged the Department of Education (DepEd) for purchasing Php 2.4 billion worth of laptop for teachers that are 'outdated and pricey' in the implementation of distance learning amidst Covid-19 pandemic in 2021. "The price per unit is pricey for an entry-level type of laptop which resulted in significant decrease in the number of units provided to intended users," COA said. Consequently, an estimated 28,917 teachers were deprived of the possible benefits from the supposed provision of these laptops." Despite having cheaper and better options at the time, DepEd agreed with the price and technical specifications as recommended by DBM-PS according to COA state auditors. COA also cited a DBM-PS bidding during the same month in May 2021 that had better deal for mid-range type laptops tagged at only Php 45, 431.20 per unit. Read more in our articles including "DepEd spox says laptops 'could be replaced' if proven slow, Briones denies direct involvement on PS-DBM procurement" and "DepEd spent ~Php 60K each for thousands of Celeron-powered laptops in 2021 –COA report".