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Thursday, March 28, 2024

Allegations Of Overpricing In Budget Items, Premature – CBO

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City Budget Officer Geraldine de la Paz the other day branded as premature, accusations that items and other equipment included in the recently approved 2021 Supplemental Budget are overpriced.

De la Paz clarified that the amount proposed in the supplemental budget is only the upper ceiling price and still subject to market scoping during the procurement process, which itself is subject to the provisions of RA 9184 or the Government Procurement Reform Act.

“The issue of overpricing at the budget preparation phase is premature. The budget is only the upper ceiling price, which shall still be subject to market scoping during the procurement process, “ de la Paz asserted.

The budget proposed by the executive department is based on the proposals of the end-users and according to RA 9184, the end-user must take into consideration not just the market prices of the products but also incidental expenses such as freight, taxes, installation costs, and inflation factor.

De la Paz emphasized that In coming up with the budget amount, all cost components must be considered and accounted for the procurement requirements – not too excessive or too low as to result in failure of bidding.

In addition, items provided in the budget are only generic titles or names. Unit prices for computers, for example, may vary depending on actual specifications, accessories, and brand, she added.

Meanwhile, City Police Director Col. Rexmel Reyes also defended the proposed purchase of items and equipment intended for peace and security included in the Supplemental Budget 1 stating that the police have to be equipped with the necessary equipment, assets and mobility to quickly respond to threat situations.

“The city government is consistent in its commitment to support the police through the provision of equipment and other requirements of the PNP in its day-to-day operations with the ultimate goal to better improve and enhance operational capability in dealing with our peace and order situation,” Reyes said.

The list of items and equipment with specifications that are included in the supplemental budget was prepared and submitted by the police.

He added that the ZCPO has activated the 2nd Manuever Company, dedicated as Seaborne Company located at the R.T. Lim Boulevard with main function to guard the coastal areas to prevent intrusion by terrorists and other criminal elements.

“The activation of the Company complemented with the needed personnel, requires additional equipment for augmentation and to be more responsible to police work,” the City Police Director added, as he explained the need for the equipment. (Jasmine Mohammadsali)

(Source: City Government of Zamboanga Facebook page)

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