DepEd warns against unauthorized solicitations using officials' names

MANILA, Philippines —The Department of Education (DepEd) warned against unauthorized solicitations using the names of its officials.

In a public advisory issued on Thursday, the DepEd denied and condemned the representations as "false, baseless, and completely unauthorized."

"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. Any representation to the contrary is wholly unfounded and inconsistent with the standards of integrity required in all DepEd transactions," it said.

The DepEd said it had "received disturbing reports that certain individuals are contacting suppliers and contractors and invoking the names of" officials including, among others, the Education secretary and the Head of the Procuring Entity (HOPE) "to solicit or demand money, particularly in connection with Notices of Award, Notices to Proceed, and other procurement transactions."

It strongly advised anyone who receives such a solicitation to "make no payment, preserve all evidence, and immediately report the matter to" it and to the Philippine National Police or National Bureau of Investigation "for investigation and, where warranted, appropriate law-enforcement action, including entrapment."

The DepEd said it would "pursue the investigation and prosecution of any person who, upon sufficient evidence, is found to have fraudulently used" its name or its officials' names.