The Bacolod Sangguniang Panlungsod will inquire from the various public schools in Bacolod to verify the complaint of a Bacolod broadcaster about the alleged overpriced purchase of an information technology package by the Office of Bacolod Rep. Monico Puentevella.

Donard Nojas, of RGMA Super Radyo, has requested SP to investigate the matter and to file charges against the persons responsible if evidence warrants.

In his letter to the SP, dated Feb. 7, 2007, Nojas said it has come to his attention that Puentevella allocated and spent P10.4 million in 2002, P15.2 million in 2004, and P13.2 million in 2005 from his annual Priority Development Assistance Fund for the purchase of the IT package for various public elementary and high schools in the city.

Nojas said records from the Department of Budget and Management show that 38 public schools in 2004 and 33 in 2005 each received a package worth P400,000 consisting of two computer units and accessories. He said the amount of P400,000 for one IT package is rather disturbing and overpriced for only two computer units and accessories.

Councilor Ana Marie Palermo said the chairmen of the Committees on Education and Communications will make a recommendation after they have verified the complaint with the recipient schools.

Meanwhile, Eric Tenerife, Puentevella's media liaison, said they welcome letters from the public asking for clarification on projects implemented by the solon.

However, he asked what the complainant's basis is for saying that the purchase of the IT package was overpriced.

Tenerife said Puentevella recommended the purchase of the IT package and not just the computers and he has nothing to do with the bidding since this was conducted by the Department of Education.

He said DepEd secretariat Elsie Suarez had issued a certification on Sept. 11, 2006 for the bidding of the supply and delivery of the IT package to the various public schools in the city. They could direct their questions to DepEd regional director Victoriano Tirol, he added.

Tenerife said each IT package consists of 51 instructional CD's for elementary English, Math and Science and Health subjects, 360 worksheets for the same subjects, and 27 teacher's manuals for the same training component.*CGS

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