State aviation’s fishy deals

A concerned citizen has called on President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to look into questionable deals at a state aviation institution. The source told Nosy Tarsee that the aeronautic school’s president has been there for almost 12 years, now in his third term, without giving others a chance.

The source said the president is “influential and friendly” to the board, enjoying his fresh third term from May 2026 to May 2030.

“What is more questionable is that this president has been dealing with a single contractor for government projects there — from the solar panel project to the installation of a sprinkler system, as well as the rehabilitation of the hallway of the building. Each of these projects is more than P2 million worth, meaning a formal bidding should be done,” the concerned citizen said.

Competitive public bidding is required for government projects with an Approved Budget for the Contract above P2 million, as outlined in Republic Act 12009, or the New Government Procurement Act.

Moreover, the source said the lone contractor who consistently bags the projects is allegedly a kumpare of the overstaying president.

The institution was renamed by virtue of a duly legislated bill, with the source revealing: “It’s more than a year now since the school’s renaming. However, its Implementing Rules and Regulations have not yet been finished.”

As they say, when a marinated official clings to his post, something is indeed fishy.