Peligero highlights that “they are attempting to execute all actions aimed at collection” and recalls the pandemic as a “calamity”.
SANTA CRUZ DE TENERIFE, 20th January (EUROPA PRESS) –
The head of the Canary Islands Tax Agency, Raquel Peligero, stated on Monday that the procedure for refunding the four million euros paid to the company RR7 by the Canary Islands Health Service for one million medical masks that were not delivered “remains open”.
In her statement before the investigative committee examining the procurement of medical supplies during the pandemic, she alluded to the “confidential nature” of tax information, which prevented her from discussing particular cases, but indicated that it is a “notable” case that will receive “special attention.”
“We cannot permit the danger of it becoming time-barred,” she asserted, stressing that this would occur if the Canary Islands Tax Agency took no action for four years to attempt to retrieve the funds.
Peligero refrained from clarifying whether any of the money has been recovered, despite previous comments by former Canary Islands president and Minister of Territorial Policy, Ángel Víctor Torres, and merely expressed that “they are striving to undertake all actions directed at collecting, similar to any other case.”
She remarked that typically, an automatic seizure process is activated when such a case is opened, commencing with cash and bank accounts down to the least liquid assets, alongside an investigation into the individuals affected or their relatives.
In this context, she pointed out that these cases are “lengthy” and that there are “experts” in concealing and dissipating assets, yet the agency possesses “legal instruments” to endeavour to ensure reimbursement.
If the funds cannot ultimately be recovered, the debtor is declared “bankrupt” and the credit “poor”, although it may be reopened at any time if new evidence arises.
Peligero also mentioned that investigations “are not arbitrary” but follow established lines of inquiry with an annual oversight plan based on evidence from past experiences or via a complaints channel.
She indicated that in general, “nothing is paid for that has not been received” in public administration, whilst recognising that during the health crisis, the processes and payment timelines “were relaxed and made more flexible” in response to the urgent requirement for medical supplies.
THE PANDEMIC WAS A “CHAOTIC PERIOD”
She stated that these were “very difficult times” as there were no masks available for healthcare professionals and sourcing suppliers was “extremely challenging”; although “in hindsight” it may seem like making advance payments or lacking certification of receipt was misguided—Customs had not informed them of the cancellation of the batch of masks—she noted that this was an “exceptional” circumstance that warranted emergency procurement.
Indeed, she characterised the pandemic period as a “calamity” and a “chaotic time” and while it led to “distortions” in the enforcement of public procurement laws, she believes that this moment should also serve “as a learning opportunity.”
Furthermore, she indicated that she is unaware of the provisional report from the Accounts Court or any audit that has been initiated, nor any claims from the Accounts Chamber regarding misinterpretation of the law, acknowledging that administrative contracting is “arduous” and often timelines are extended due to appeals or the need to restart processes. “I can believe anything,” she elaborated.
She also emphasised that it was “extremely challenging” to close offices as submissions could not be made “on paper”, necessitating a rapid shift to teleworking, coupled with concerns that taxpayers’ sensitive tax information could be compromised.
