SENATE Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel III on Saturday called on the Ombudsman to go after the contractors involved in the multi-billion-peso laptop procurement deals, marred by allegations of irregularities.

The senator likewise urged the anti-corruption body to undertake vigorous efforts in reclaiming public funds used in the anomalous deals.

“The Ombudsman’s decision to impose preventive suspension sends a strong signal that any alleged wrongdoing will be treated seriously. It is equally vital to thoroughly examine the role of the contractor in this anomalous transaction, from its background to how it secured the contract,” Pimentel said.

Pimentel issued the statement in response to the recent decision of the Ombudsman to impose a preventive suspension on officials from the Department of Education and the Procurement Service of the Department of Budget and Management over the contentious procurement of outdated and overpriced laptops for teachers.

“It is imperative for the Ombudsman to regain taxpayers’ money, expended on items that did not align with the government’s actual needs,” Pimentel stressed.

Meanwhile, Pimentel castigated PS-DBM over its failure to promptly blacklist the suppliers involved in the anomalous laptop deals in accordance with the recommendation of the Commission on Audit.

“Where’s the hesitation coming from? We cannot help but question whether PS-DBM is in collusion with these suppliers, leading to such reluctance,” he added.