THE DEPARTMENT of Education (DepEd) has warned suppliers and contractors against individuals allegedly using the names of high-ranking department officials to solicit money in connection with government procurement transactions.

In a statement, DepEd said it received reports of individuals invoking the names of the Secretary of Education, the Head of the Procuring Entity, members of the Executive Committee, and other officials to demand payments from suppliers and contractors.

The reported solicitations were particularly linked to the issuance of Notices of Award, Notices to Proceed, and other procurement-related transactions.

“The Department categorically denies and condemns these representations as false, baseless, and completely unauthorized,” DepEd said.

The department emphasized that no official is authorized to request money, require deposits to private accounts, or demand any form of payment in connection with government contracts.

“Any representation to the contrary is wholly unfounded and inconsistent with the standards of integrity required in all DepEd transactions,” it added.

DepEd urged individuals who receive similar requests to refrain from making any payments, preserve evidence of the solicitation, and immediately report the incidents to the department, the Philippine National Police, or the National Bureau of Investigation.

The department said the reports may warrant investigation and appropriate law enforcement operations, including entrapment.

“DepEd will pursue the investigation and prosecution of any person who, upon sufficient evidence, is found to have fraudulently used the name of the Department or any of its officials,” it said.