Philippine City's Former Mayor Under Scrutiny for Alleged Overpriced PC Purchase

A recent scandal has erupted in a Philippine city, casting a shadow over its former mayor's financial dealings. Allegations have surfaced regarding the acquisition of sixteen computer systems and a single server at an astonishing cost of almost $175,000. This sum has raised serious questions among the public and the incumbent administration, particularly given the apparent discrepancy between the paid amount and the market value of the hardware. The situation has prompted an outcry for transparency and accountability, as citizens demand a thorough investigation into what many perceive as a highly inflated procurement. This event underscores broader concerns about public funds management and procurement ethics within local governance.

The controversy first came to light through social media on August 27th, when a local figure, Ukc Ibrahim, posted on Facebook about the alleged transaction involving former mayor Darwin Bajada. Ibrahim's post detailed the staggering 10 million Philippine pesos (approximately $174,932 at the time) paid for the computer equipment, including a server. The post featured an image of one of the acquired computers, visually highlighting the incongruity between the cost and the typical appearance of such systems. This initial report quickly gained traction, fueling public skepticism and drawing the attention of the current city leader.

Adding weight to the accusation, current Mayor Sally A. Lopez reshared Ibrahim's post on her official Facebook account. Her accompanying statement, translated, expressed grave concerns, stating that the price was "too high and had not been tested whether it works or not," further noting that former Mayor Bajada had settled the payment immediately. This swift payment, coupled with the lack of prior testing, intensified suspicions about the integrity of the deal. The public nature of these statements from the sitting mayor underscored the seriousness with which these allegations were being treated.

Further clarifications from Mayor Lopez revealed that the substantial payment covered 16 generic computers, along with 16 generic keyboards and monitors, and one server system. A closer examination of the peripheral components, such as the Jedel G17 keyboard and mouse combo, revealed their retail price to be around 290 Philippine pesos (roughly $5) per set, totaling approximately $70 for all 16 sets. While the exact monitor model remained unconfirmed, similar Fonudar monitors were found to range from $17 to $78, suggesting an approximate cost of $650-$800 for all 16. These figures strongly indicate a massive overpricing, even accounting for potential fluctuations in market rates over the past year.

According to analysis from Tom's Hardware, the estimated cost for building similar PCs, even with a $60 Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS), would be around $670 per unit. Combining these approximations, the total market value of the 16 computers, along with their accessories, would roughly amount to $12,000. This stark contrast with the $175,000 paid highlights an alarming markup, potentially exceeding 1,300 percent. The server, described as featuring an Intel i9 14th Gen CPU, 32 GB RAM, 512 GB SSD, and 10 TB HDD, would still not justify the remaining balance, suggesting a significant overvaluation.

Amidst the controversy, a positive development has emerged. Carlo Ople, CEO of Unbox, a prominent tech retailer in the Philippines, has pledged to donate a tech care package and encouraged others in the tech community to contribute. While this initiative may not fully compensate for the financial disparity, it offers a gesture of goodwill and provides much-needed technology, demonstrating community support in response to the alleged mismanagement of public resources. This event serves as a critical reminder of the importance of vigilance and transparency in government procurements, ensuring that public funds are utilized responsibly and for the benefit of the community.