IS there someone taking the wheel in the bidding process for the pre-printed driver’s license cards?

There’s a buzz in a coffee shop that a department in charge of the bidding is said to be favoring a bidder, prompting the disqualification of another bidder whose price is considered among the lowest.

I’ve heard the department is leaning towards the other bidder that entered the bidding with P42 per card vs the lowest price of P33.88 price apiece.

Furthermore, the bottomline difference between the two bids is P42.3M.

Earlier, it was reported that the former secretary of the department apparently got wind of this underhanded maneuver.

His refusal to be a part of the ploy earned him the ire of a dominant force in the department whom our source hinted as a retired high-ranking military official who allegedly invested on the pricier bidder.

If this is true, it should be stopped and let fairness prevail.

Culprits behind this scam should be ashamed amid the government’s campaign for good governance.

Recently, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. vowed to promote good governance by fighting fake news, saying the Philippines stands in solidarity with the International Conference of Information Commissioners (ICIC) and the entire international community in advocating for people’s right to information.

“As a nation with a robust democracy, we reaffirm our commitment to champion this basic human right. It remains indelibly etched in our fundamental law,” Marcos said during the opening ceremony of the 14th edition of the ICIC at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City.

“We value its potency to empower our people to make informed decisions to participate fully in our democratic processes, and hold their representatives accountable without fear or apprehension,” Marcos added.

The ICIC connects Information Commissioners, Ombudspersons and other bodies charged with overseeing the implementation of Access to Public Information legislation, in order to foster the protection and promotion of access to public information as a fundamental pillar to social, economic and democratic governance.

The Philippines is the first Southeast Asian country to host the conference, following Mexico (2005 and 2022), South Africa (2004 and 2019), the United Kingdom (2017 and 2006), Chile (2015), Germany (2013 and 2003), Canada (2011), Norway (2009), and New Zealand (2007).

During the event, Marcos lauded the ICIC for its efforts in advancing the people’s right to access information.

Marcos also called on all the branches of government to uphold the people’s freedom of information (FOI) as he promised to advance the campaign against misinformation and disinformation in the country.

“I reiterate our call not only to the executive branch, but to all branches of government, to genuinely uphold and give effect to the people’s freedom of information in the course of our day-to-day operations, with good faith and with openness,” Marcos said.

“Undeniably, this is to our best interest as a nation. It is a key to our pursuit of good governance, improved public services, and a more progressive and sustainable society,” he added.

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AUTHOR PROFILE

Mario Fetalino Jr.