A lawmaker on Thursday revealed alleged anomalies in the implementation of the Department of Education's (DepEd) school building program, particularly a kickback scheme involving a former undersecretary. During the hearing of the House Committee on Good Government and Public Accountability on Thursday, Surigao del Sur Rep. Johnny Pimentel accused former DepEd Undersecretary Epimaco Densing III of soliciting up to 18 percent in commissions from members of the House of Representatives in exchange for approving the construction of school building projects in their districts. Pimentel recounted a conversation he had with an individual named Greg Morillo, who allegedly acted as an intermediary for Densing. "Right there and then, I already knew na si Mr. Densing manghihingi ng (that Mr. Densing was asking for a) commission," Pimentel said. Pimentel claimed that Densing halted the bidding process for PHP170 million worth of school building projects in his district after he refused to comply with the alleged req uest. "Lo and behold, the funds did not come through, kinancel yung bidding (the bidding was canceled),' Pimentel said, Pimentel further alleged that Densing had approached multiple lawmakers, demanding a percentage of the project budget in exchange for the release of funds for school buildings. He also noted that Densing, accompanied by a contractor named Ralph Tecson, met up with several lawmakers in Manila to solicit commissions. 'You talked to them, may kasama ka pang kontraktor (you even brought a contractor),' Pimentel said. Pimentel said Densing made these budget cuts without notifying the affected lawmakers, particularly citing that the funds for school buildings in Surigao del Sur were suddenly cut despite being included in the National Expenditure Program (NEP). 'That is the reason why tinanggal si Mr. Densing sa (Densing was removed from) DepEd. He did not resign,' Pimentel asserted, claiming that Densing was forced out due to his involvement in corrupt practices related to the school buildin g program. Densing, in response, denied the accusations, calling them 'a blatant lie.' Densing emphasized his commitment to a transparent process. 'It's the very reason I'm a process-oriented person,' Densing said in his defense. Pimentel, however, remained firm, accusing the former undersecretary of corruption. "You are lying, Mr. Densing! And I can cite you for contempt," Pimentel said during the heated exchange. The hearing was suspended, but Pimentel vowed to gather more evidence to support his allegations. 'What I will do is gather more evidence to prove that what I am saying is true, that Mr. Epimaco Densing is a very corrupt person,' Pimentel said. Densing has not issued further statements beyond his denials. He was DepEd undersecretary when Vice President Sara Duterte was heading the agency. Densing headed the DepEd's School Building Program which aims to address long-standing issues on education facilities and infrastructure Source: Philippines News agency