By JEN BAYLON

A show-cause order was issued against the executive assistant of Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson due to alleged irregularities in the procurement of furniture repairs amounting to P129,200.

Provincial Legal Office head Alberto Nellas, Jr. said the show-cause order was issued last July 2 against Executive Assistant IV Francis Velez in violation of Republic Act 9184, also known as the Government Procurement Reform Act.

The show-cause order directs Velez to explain why he should not be held liable for the alleged irregularities, and why no criminal, civil or administrative cases will be filed against him.

The order requires him to appear before the investigating body and provide explanations for his actions.

Nellas said Velez also violated Republic Act 3019, or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, causing “undue injury to the provincial government due to failure to follow the proper procurement process for the repair of the furniture.”

The repairs did not follow the procurement process, Nellas said.

Velez allegedly allowed the repair of several pieces of furniture from the Office of the Governor without obtaining prior authorization from Lacson, he added.

The items in question include four long sofas, two small sofas, 12 visitor chairs, and four executive chairs, which were allegedly purchased from NDE Upholstery.

Nellas said the market value for the repair of more than 20 pieces of furniture worth P129,200 is expensive.

“Why is there no bidding nga nag-undertake ka sang repairs? Also overpriced,” Nellas said.

He added that the provincial capitol would not pay for the transaction.

The case will be further investigated by the provincial government’s audit department.

Watchmen Daily Journal has tried to reach Velez on the matter, but he chose not to comment./JB, WDJ