DepEd forms panel to look into purchase of razors worth nearly P2,000 per piece
MANILA—The Department of Education (DepEd) has formed a fact-finding panel to look into the purchase of alleged overpriced razors in northern Mindanao.
The razors, which cost nearly P2,000 a piece according to other media reports, were part of school materials needed for the region's senior high classes.
In a statement, DepEd said the razors were bought between April to June 2016 and are to be used for the Technical-Vocational-Livelihood (TVL) track in senior high.
"Based on preliminary reports, payment for the items has not been made since the supplier did not comply with the specifications. The incident appears to have occurred prior to the term of the present administration," the statement read.
DepEd assured the public it does not tolerate any form of irregularity in its procurement process.
Education Secretary Leonor Briones has vowed to get to the bottom of the issue.
"Iimbestigahan kung may lapse sa pagsunod ng proseso...Everybody down the line ay may accountability," she said in an interview on DZMM's "Dos Por Dos."
Briones also denied reports that the suggested retail price for razors came from DepEd's national office.
"Tinitingnan din namin ang dokumento sa aming side para mai-compare ang parehong side," she said.
The government agency, Briones said, has not paid for the items yet pending investigation.
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