DOJ panel questions NBP's P94-M catering deals

MANILA, Philippines - A Department of Justice (DOJ) fact-finding panel is recommending more administrative charges against Bureau of Corrections chief Gaudencio Pangilinan and other prison officials for allegedly entering into P94 million worth of “illegal” contracts with three caterers to provide food for inmates at the BuCor’s prison facilities.

The panel said additional charges of grave misconduct, gross insubordination and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service should be filed against Pangilinan; consultant and chief of staff Venancio Santidad; Teodora Diaz, assistant director for administration and rehabilitation, for issuing a notice of award without legal authority; Alfred Benitez as chairman of the bids and awards committee; and BAC members Elsa Alabado, Celso Bravo and Nora Corazon Padiermos.

The panel also recommended the same charges be filed against BAC secretariat members Larry Harry, Marilyn Bantion, Edith Arandid, Agerio Panopio, Albern Alcantara, Imelda Lapitan, and Mar Enriquez; and BAC technical working group members Ligaya Dador, Dalmacio Gonzalez and Amjonnette Battad.

The panel asked these officials to explain the three food catering contracts entered into by Pangilinan in BuCor’s behalf: Meyer’s Food and Services Inc. to provide meals for inmates at the New Bilibid Prison minimum security compound for P16 million; Marigold Grill Corp. for inmates at the Correctional Institution for Women in Muntinlupa City for P17 million and Mang Kiko Catering Services Inc. for inmates at the NBP medium security compound for P61 million.

“The procurement process of the three catering contracts was fraught with legal technicalities. There was no compliance with DOJ Memorandum Circular 15, series of 2008, on the need to get a mandatory observer from the DOJ for all procurement activities,” the panel said.