SENATOR Alan Peter Cayetano on Friday filed a resolution calling for an investigation of the nine-month delay in the procurement of laptops for teachers.

In Senate Resolution 134, Cayetano said the P2.4-billion contract for the purchase of the gadgets was awarded on June 30, 2021 and these were distributed to teachers in late August 2021.

The laptops were procured under the Digital Education, Information Technology and Digital Infrastructures and Alternative Learning Modalities of the Bayanihan to Recover As One or Bayanihan II Act, which was approved on September 11, 2020.

This aimed to help teachers adapt to hybrid learning and be able to teach students remotely.

Cayetano said the Senate should conduct an inquiry in aid of legislation on the issue of outdated and overpriced laptops.

He stressed the need to ensure the integrity of the government’s procurement service in light of a number of pending Senate bills proposing the purchase and distribution of gadgets for learners and teachers.

“In order to build our nation, we have to stand for what is right. Ang tama ay tama, at ang mali ay mali,” he said.

“It is high time to meet the issues head-on, determine where accountability lies. Dapat malaman ng taumbayan kung mayroong pagkakamali, saan nagkamali at paano maitatama ang mali,” the senator added.