Ensuring fair play: Agri chief forms committee to address public bidding violations

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. has established a committee within the Department of Agriculture to address complaints related to offenses or violations in its public bidding.

Laurel signed DA Special Order No. 11 on January 4, creating the “blacklisting committee,” which will function as the central blacklisting body of the DA.

The committee is tasked with issuing a resolution containing its findings and recommendations within 30 days after receiving a complaint. It will evaluate complaints initiated by the bids and awards committee and verify the existence of grounds for blacklisting.

The blacklisting committee is chaired by Atty. Willie Ann M. Angsiy, the director of the DA’s legal service. Its vice-chair is Atty. Melinda D. Deyto, the chief of the DA’s procurement division. Its members include Atty. Christopher R. Bañas, the director of the DA’s internal audit service, and the BAC chairperson if the concern arises during the procurement stage or the head of the end-user if the complaint involves something in the contract implementation stage.

The blacklisting committee will gather facts, evidence, and take testimonies to ascertain the truthfulness of the complaints. It will also summon parties to a hearing. The committee will determine if there is reasonable cause to recommend the issuance, suspension, or withdrawal of the respondent contractor and the forfeiture of bid securities.

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