The Department of Education is investigating claims and rumorss that agency-issued laptop computers are being sold in a surplus store in Mandaue City, Cebu.
According to DepEd Spokesperson Michael Poa, the regional office is also conducting its own inquiry into the situation.
“They are now investigating the matter. Specifically, they’re checking inventories kung mayroong kulang (if there’s anything missing),” said Poa.
Poa also stated that the DepEd is investigating who would be held accountable if the sale of agency computers is confirmed to be accurate.
“[It] depends kung ang liable is an employee of DepEd or the supplier itself,” said Poa.
Earlier, the Commission on Audit flagged the acquisition of Php2.4 billion worth of computers as costly and “very sluggish” due to “outdated” CPUs in its 2021 audit report on the DepEd.
According to the COA report, the DepEd first estimated the cost of a laptop at Php35,046 but subsequently approved the PS-pricing DBM’s of Php58,300.
