Friday, February 01, 2008 Ombud to check flyover’s papers
THE Office of the Ombudsman-Visayas wants copies of all documents pertaining to the bidding of the flyover that will be constructed starting today.
Assistant Ombudsman Virginia Santiago said the documents will be checked to verify a report that the project was given to a contractor that didn’t post the lowest bid before the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).
The information was relayed to Deputy Ombudsman Pelagio Apostol in a mobile phone text message while the latter was being interviewed in a local radio station.
‘“Mahimo bang ipasusi sa Ombudsman unsa ka tinuod ang balita nga ang nakadaog sa bidding sa Ban-Tal overpass dili ang lowest bidder? May nag bid sa P87M pero
ang nakadaug P157M,” the message read, which was quoted in a newspaper report.
The tip, however, didn’t coincide with previous reports.
With a P86.9-million offer, WTG Construction and Development Corp., owned by businessman Willy T. Go, was awarded the rights to implement the project last September.
At that time, nothing was reported amiss except for the fact that the construction was to be delayed until February 2008.
DPWH Assistant Regional Director Jorge Sebastian Jr., then chairman of the bids and awards committee, said the bidding was based on the available budget of P103,783,910.63.
The project as a whole, however, is expected to cost P149 million and requires a supplemental allocation.
The second closest bid was from the joint venture of JM Construction and WT Construction at P90.9 million.
The other bid was submitted by UKC Builders and reached P93.4 million.
Nobody bid P157 million, primarily because the available budget didn’t go beyond P100 million.
In a television report yesterday, Cebu City Rep. Raul del Mar was quoted as saying that he welcomes the Ombudsman’s move so the public would know that all the bidding documents and requirements are in order.
Del Mar is the proponent of the flyover project and sourced the funds need for it.
DPWH 7 Spokesperson Marie Nillama said earlier that there was nothing irregular in the conduct of the bidding, which was witnessed by members of the press.
Still, she said her agency is willing to submit the bidding documents in question when required to do so. (KNR)
