Tulfo questions PPA's P168M body camera purchase citing overpricing

Senator Raffy Tulfo questioned the Philippine Ports Authority's (PPA) purchase of 191 body-worn cameras in 2020 for P168 million, citing alleged overpricing and potential collusion.

Tulfo highlighted concerns about the supplier, Boston Home Incorporated, which allegedly has low paid-up capital and previously delivered defective equipment according to the Commission on Audit (COA).

The PPA awarded Boston Homes another contract the following year for more body cameras at an even higher price per unit.

PPA General Manager Jay Santiago denied the overpricing allegations, stating the contract encompasses more than just cameras, including nationwide connectivity, backend servers, software, training, and system integration.

Santiago explained that Boston Home Inc. was the single calculated and responsive bidder, with their bid falling below the approved contract budget.