MANILA – The Department of Education (DepEd) on Thursday warned suppliers, contractors and the public against unauthorized solicitations allegedly using the names of Education Secretary Sonny Angara and other department officials.
DepEd issued the warning after receiving reports of individuals supposedly demanding money from suppliers and contractors while claiming to act on behalf of senior agency officials.
“The Department categorically denies and condemns these representations as false, baseless, and completely unauthorized,” DepEd said.
The agency said the alleged solicitors invoked the names of Angara, the Head of the Procuring Entity, members of the Executive Committee and other DepEd officials in connection with Notices of Award, Notices to Proceed and other procurement transactions.
DepEd stressed that no official is authorized to require suppliers, contractors or bidders to provide money, deposit funds into private accounts or give any form of payment in relation to government contracts.
“Neither the Secretary, the HOPE, nor any DepEd official authorizes or requires suppliers, contractors, or bidders to give money, make deposits to private accounts, or provide any payment or consideration in connection with any government contract,” the agency said.
DepEd said it remains committed to integrity, transparency and accountability in its procurement and official transactions.
The department advised anyone who receives such solicitations not to make any payment and to preserve all messages, receipts, account details and other evidence.
It also urged recipients to immediately report the matter to DepEd, the Philippine National Police or the National Bureau of Investigation for appropriate investigation and possible law enforcement action, including entrapment operations when warranted.
DepEd vowed to investigate and pursue charges against individuals behind the fraudulent activities.
