Pag-IBIG chief defends Binay: No hanky panky in bidding

MANILA, Philippines - Pag-IBIG president and chief executive officer Atty. Darlene Marie Berberabe clarified on Thursday that there was "no hanky panky" in the bidding process in the Pag-IBIG Fund.

 

Berberabe also defended Vice President Jejomar Binay, chairman of the Pag-IBIG Fund Board of Trustees, who allegedly used his influence to enter into anomalous transactions in the housing projects, according to a report.

 

”In the strongest terms, I say that this is most unfair because Pag-IBIG has been known especially in the last four years for its excellent performance and integrity,” Berberabe said during the Senate inquiry of the alleged overpriced Makati City buildings.

 

The Vice President allegedly tried to clinch a P193 million contract with Omni Security Investigation, Inc.

 

”I categorically say that no, this did not happen,” Berberabe cleared.

 

The Pag-IBIG chair noted that Binay only recommended to get the services of Omni as it was the security service contracted by Makati City when he was the mayor.

 

Omni was not able to bid for the three-year security service contract for Pag-IBIG due to late submission of bidding documents.

 

”I maintain that Pag-IBIG works with integrity and endeavors always to perform excellently. I’m defending the name of the organization and our members,” Berberabe said.

 

Berberabe added that Binay did not give an order that would test her principle to do the right thing.

 

The Vice President is currently facing new allegations of kickbacks from transactions of the Boy Scouts of the Philippines.

 

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