‘No more jackets for DOT birthday celebrants’

MANILA, Philippines — There will be no more jackets for birthday celebrants at the Department of Tourism (DOT). 

Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat has stopped the procurement of 863 customized reversible jackets worth P1.2 million, which was allowed by the former leadership of the DOT.

“Definitely, hindi yan matutuloy (it will not push through) under me,” Puyat told The STAR in a text message yesterday.  

The secretary also denied reports that DOT employees have started fitting for their jackets. 

“Naku, kaka-birthday ko lang. Bakit ako wala? (My birthday has just passed. Why didn’t I get one?)” she joked.

DOT Undersecretary and chairman of the bids and awards committee Kat de Castro approved an invitation to bid for the procurement of jackets worth P1,294,500.

Under the terms of reference, the DOT was supposed to buy two types of jackets: a black corporate jacket made of cotton and a gray hoodie jacket made of water resistant polyester. 

Both jackets would have the DOT logo embroidered on the left chest, hand pockets and full zip. The hoodie jacket would have detachable zipped hood.  

The jackets were supposed to be delivered every 15th of the month starting May 2018 until October 2018. 

Puyat earlier said she wants the Commission on Audit to investigate how the DOT’s funds were spent.

She has ordered the suspension of all projects of the DOT pending review.