Malacañang has backed the Office of the Ombudsman’s investigation into alleged “ghost Internet” projects, saying irregular transactions involving public officials must be examined and those found responsible held accountable.
At a Palace briefing on Tuesday, Sept. 22, Presidential Communications Office undersecretary and Palace press officer Claire Castro said: “Sa lahat ng ma-anomalya na transaksiyon na kinapapalooban ng mga public officials ay dapat lamang itong maimbestigahan.”
The Ombudsman’s fact-finding inquiry covers contracts linked to Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) projects.
Investigators are examining allegations that software supplied with government-purchased hardware was outdated, cheaper than specified, or counterfeit, as well as claims of undelivered connectivity services and inflated contracts.
The Ombudsman has yet to identify the projects, contractors, or officials involved.
The DICT earlier said it would provide investigators with records and technical information. It has also warned that reports of inactive or non-performing sites under its Free Wi-Fi for All Program could lead to technical audits and contractual sanctions. The agency has not disclosed how many sites are inactive or whether any sanctions have been imposed.
Asked how inadequate connectivity services could affect government operations, Castro said: “Definitely kasi kung kulang ang mga maibibigay sa ating serbisyo, hindi magiging maganda ang epekto nito.”
Malacañang also called on private contractors to fulfill their obligations so that publicly funded connectivity projects deliver the services specified in their contracts.
