Certified procurement specialists have issued an official statement defending their decision to file a complaint before the Office of the Ombudsman concerning infrastructure projects managed by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Region VI.
Dr. Carlo M. Batalla, Chairman and President of the group, said the complaint was rooted in publicly available information obtained from the DPWH’s official website. The group emphasized that their actions were in line with their mandate as procurement specialists accredited by the Government Procurement Policy Board (GPPB).
“We are trained and authorized to evaluate procurement transactions in accordance with Republic Act No. 9184, or the Government Procurement Reform Act,” the statement read.
According to the group, their analysis flagged potential irregularities in the procurement process, including repeated awards to an allegedly underperforming contractor and indications of negative slippage in several high-value infrastructure projects.
“These findings were the result of technical analysis, not personal motives,” Batalla said. “They were reported in the spirit of public service and professional duty.”
The specialists asserted that the complaint was filed in good faith and supported by data from a government-managed platform that promotes transparency and public accountability.
Key points highlighted in the statement include: The use of official data with legal and technical basis; A commitment to truth and public interest in all public discussions and press briefings; A denial of issuing any malicious or defamatory statements; A reaffirmation of their constitutional rights to free speech and to petition the government.
They also condemned what they described as retaliatory legal actions meant to intimidate or silence watchdogs and civic actors. “Such moves may amount to a Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation (SLAPP), which is a misuse of the legal system,” Batalla said.
The group concluded by reaffirming their commitment to transparency, accountability, and the rule of law.
“Transparency is not harassment. Scrutiny is not defamation. Public participation is not a crime,” the statement concluded.
In the FB post of Carlo Batalla, he included the Public Procurement Specialist Certificate Course Leavel 3 of Margaretta B. Fernandez and Millicent Shatrin V. Ang Espina issued by University of the Philippines, including Atty. Eugene M. Alfaras issued by Central Luzon State University.#
