JV firms vying for LTO contract accused of submitting ‘false’ documents

MANILA, Philippines—A civil group has asked the Department of Justice (DOJ) to charge in court two private firms competing for the  government’s P 3.8-billion supply contract for motor vehicle license plates for allegedly submitting “fraudulent” documents.

In its complaint, the Anti-Trapo Movement of the Philippines Inc. (ATM), through founder Leon E. Peralta, said J.Knieriem Holdings B.V. Goes and Power Plates Development Concepts Inc. “have consciously, intentionally and purposely submitted to an official government exercise what they know is an insufficient document and passing the same as authentic and accurate.”

The group told the DOJ it should consider pursuing criminal charges for forgery, falsification and estafa.

J. Knieriem Holding B.V. Goes and Power Plates Development Concepts Inc. are joint venture partners bidding for the Land Transportation Office Motor Vehicle License Plate Standardization Program.

The complainant said JBV failed to submit truthful complete financial records as required by the rules, which would substantiate its capability to undertake the government contract.

The firms allegedly failed to submit financial documents issued by the Chamber of Commerce, Hague—a 2011 Consolidated Annual Accounts of one H3 B.V. with an accompanying independent auditors report and a 2011 Annual Accounts of J. Knieriem Holding.

A separate complaint was filed by the group against Power Plates Development Concepts Inc. for the sale of unauthorized commemorative motor vehicle plates several years ago arising from the unauthorized manufacture and sale to the public of fraudulent Metro Manila Development Authority commemorative license plates  sometime in 2003 to 2004.