The Department of Education (DepEd) on Saturday said it will cooperate with the Office of the Ombudsman in its investigation into the allegedly “overpriced” procurement of laptops for public school teachers in 2020.

This followed the Ombudsman’s order to file graft and falsification charges against former Education Secretary Leonor Briones, ex-Budget Undersecretary Christopher Lao, and other former officials over the P2.4-billion laptop procurement deal.

“The DepEd reiterates its full commitment to cooperate with the Office of the Ombudsman in the expeditious and fair resolution of this case,” the department said in a statement.

The DepEd said it is ready to provide all the necessary documents, information, and other forms of assistance to ensure accountability and to protect the public interest.

It said it was made aware of the Ombudsman’s resolution to file an information against several DepEd officials for violation of Section 3 (e) of Republic Act 3019, the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act; for falsification by public officers under Article 171 of the Revised Penal Code; and for perjury under Article 183 of the Revised Penal Code.

“The charges arise from their alleged involvement in the procurement of reportedly outdated and overpriced laptops intended for teachers,” the DepEd said.

“The officials subject of the charges no longer hold any position in or maintain any connection with the department,” it added.

In 2023, the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee uncovered several irregularities in the procurement process.

The Senate panel said the respondents “acted with manifest partiality, evident bad faith and gross, inexcusable negligence when they facilitated and allowed the procurement of overpriced and outdated/entry-level laptops for teachers.”

The DepEd purchased the laptops — costing P58,300 each and equipped with outdated Celeron processors — for teachers for the distance learning during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Commission on Audit flagged DepEd’s P2.4-billion laptop purchase which resulted in the procurement of fewer units, depriving thousands of teachers of much-needed equipment.