The Department of Education (DepEd) warned suppliers and contractors against individuals allegedly posing as agency officials to solicit funds in exchange for government contracts and favorable procurement outcomes.
In an official advisory, DepEd revealed that it had received complaints regarding individuals claiming associations with Education Secretary Sonny Angara and other high-ranking officials.
The perpetrators reportedly requested money in exchange for issuing procurement documentation, including Notices of Award and Notices to Proceed.
DepEd denied authorizing any such solicitations, emphasizing that no official permits the collection of funds or transfers to personal accounts for official transactions.
The agency advised targets of the fraudulent scheme to refrain from making payments, safeguard all transaction records, and immediately report incidents to DepEd, the Philippine National Police (PNP), or the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to facilitate law enforcement and entrapment efforts.
DepEd assured the public that it will pursue legal charges against anyone found misusing the names of the agency or its officials to commit fraud.