The Mahindra Patrol Enforcer jeep (UNTV News)
QUEZON CITY, Philippines — The Philippine National Police is willing to face the investigation of the House of Representatives regarding the bidding process and procurement of Mahindra enforcer jeeps.
PNP-PIO Chief P/CSupt. Generoso Cerbo said that they are transparent, and that the biddings were handled by the Department of Budget and Management.
According to the PNP, they only gave the specifications based on the functionalities needed for a patrol jeep.
PNP-Public Information Office chief said, “Kung may concern ang House (of Representatives) tungkol sa bagay na ito, kami naman ay makiki-cooperate bilang naging end user nitong Mahindra Patrol Enforcer jeeps.”
(If the House (of Representatives) has concerns regarding this matter, we are willing to cooperate, as end users of the Mahindra Patrol Enforcer jeeps)
Cerbo also added that they trust the bidding held by the DBM, and documents clearly show that Mahindra, under the Columbian Autocar Company, was the lowest bidder.
“Wala naman kaming dahilan para pagdudahan ang sistema na ginawa ng DBM, naniniwala naman kami na they followed strictly kung ano yung mga tinatakda ng batas.”
(There is no reason for us to doubt the system developed by the DBM. We believe that they strictly followed what the law calls for)
Despite doubts on the process, the PNP spokesperson said that they understand the reasons behind the investigation led by Congressman Samuel Pagdilao.
Cerbo furthermore added that more than 1.4 billion pesos sourced from the PNP Capability Enhancement Program was originally allotted for 1470 units of patrol jeep, but it only cost them 1.3 billion pesos, generating savings of almost 93 million pesos for the PNP. (JOAN NANO / UNTV News)