Only 4 of 15 Davao food contracts to VP-linked firm used bidding

MANILA — Only four of 15 food service contracts granted by Davao City to a firm connected to Vice President Sara Duterte were awarded through public bidding, according to testimony presented Monday before an investigating body.

Rendell, chief of the Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System (PhilGEPS) Electronic Government Procurement Operations Division, provided the account as a prosecution witness. The disclosure raises questions about procurement practices at the local government level regarding the awarding of the remaining 11 contracts.

The contracts in question were issued by Davao City to the corporation allegedly linked to the Vice President. The use of alternative procurement methods for the majority of the agreements has become a focal point in discussions about government spending transparency and competitive bidding requirements.

PhilGEPS, which serves as the government's online platform for procurement transactions, maintains records of all government contracts and bidding processes nationwide. The distinction between contracts awarded through public bidding and those processed through other means carries implications for fiscal accountability and fair competition among potential service providers.

The revelation comes as scrutiny of government procurement practices continues across Philippine agencies and local government units.