Cebu City to blacklist supplier of faulty tires

THE Cebu City Government will blacklist a tire supplier, following reports that some of the tires exploded while being used on the road.

General Services Office (GSO) Chief Engr. Rolando Ardosa said CFG Car Accessories and Service Shop will no longer be allowed to participate in the bidding for the City’s tires.

Last year, the GSO bought from CFG some 120 “Pirelli” tires worth P2,200 per piece and 160 “Falken” tires worth P2,618 each.

The tires are used for motor vehicles the City issued to the Mobile Patrol Group (MPG) of the Cebu City Police Office and some of the city councilors.

Last December Councilors Alvin Arcilla, Noel Wenceslao and Nida Cabrera said the tires of their vehicles exploded while they were doing some rounds in the city’s barangays.

Possible accident

“Kung nagpakusog pa mig padagan ato, nadisgrasya na siguro mi (If we went fast, we probably would have gotten into an accident),” said Arcilla, who was going back to the city from his visit in the mountain barangay of Binaliw when the incident happened.

Arcilla also questioned why his tire exploded when it was only used for only three weeks.

Wenceslao, for his part, said the tire of his City-issued vehicle exploded while it was parked at Plaza Sugbu, in front of City Hall.

This made the councilors suspect that the tires CFG delivered to the City are surplus goods or fake.

In an executive session called by the Council last Wednesday, Ardosa said they have not received the same complaints from the MPG.

Arcilla, however, said they may have experienced something similar but did not report the incidents.

“Since there is a report regarding the tire explosions, they won’t be included in the next bidding,” said Ardosa.

No checks

Asked by Arcilla if the quality of tires is being checked prior to the delivery of supplies, Ardosa said they don’t do checks since they lack the expertise.

He then pointed out that the tire supplies are given to the lowest bidder.

He also said GSO can’t specify a high-quality brand during the bidding, saying it is prohibited under Republic Act 9184 or the Government Procurement Act.

Asked if there are still remaining supplies of the tires bought from CFG, Ardosa said he will check it at the City’s motor pool at the South Road Properties.

He then said GSO will return to the supplier the remaining tires, if there are any. (With Rachel Umpad, USJ-R Intern)