MANILA — The Department of Education (DepEd) has recently resumed the distribution of learning resources for students, according to an announcement made on Friday (15 Dec 2023).
This decision comes amid an ongoing investigation in the House of Representatives regarding alleged unsettled warehouse fees owed by the DepEd to Transpac Cargo Logistics. Transpac was hired to provide logistics, warehousing, and tagging services for the learning equipment.
In an official statement, the DepEd disclosed that its Regional and Division offices promptly initiated the hauling of goods after receiving a letter from Transpac, allowing them to retrieve the stored items in warehouses starting the first week of December 2023.
The DepEd aims to complete the haul and deliver the goods to public schools in the coming weeks, emphasizing its commitment to safeguarding the public interest and ensuring uninterrupted education services for learners and stakeholders.
Contrary to some reports, the DepEd clarified that the issue is not merely about unpaid warehouse fees. Payment to service providers is contingent on the fulfillment of obligations and the submission of complete documentation, adhering to accounting, auditing, and other relevant regulations for fund disbursement. The DepEd appealed to the public to remain vigilant against the spread of false and misleading information.
The DepEd procured the services of Transpac Logistics in 2021, with the contract effective from October 8, 2021, to June 30, 2022. However, Transpac failed to fulfill its delivery obligations on time. Despite continuous efforts to resolve the issue, including legal proceedings initiated on Nov. 22, 2023, the DepEd was compelled to partially terminate its contract with Transpac on Aug. 30, 2023, under the Procurement Law.
In response to the situation, House Resolution No. 1516 was filed by members of the House of Representatives, urging the Committees on Public Accounts and Basic Education to investigate the matter. The resolution aims to shed light on the circumstances surrounding the alleged unpaid warehouse fees and the delivery failures by Transpac Cargo Logistics.
(ai/mnm)
