DEPARTMENT of Public Works and Highways Secretary Mark Villar made a powerful point when he ordered the blacklisting of 14 contractors “for not meeting deadlines in implementing infrastructure projects.” Better late than never, Mr. Secretary.
Last December while everyone was in a holiday mood, the family of my first cousin Luningning Sangil Balagtas was denied of the happiest day of the year. Her son Bubby was in a coffin in a funeral parlor in Porac because he died on Christmas eve. His cause of death can be traced to those two unfinished bridges which were neglectfully delayed. My late nephew who was in his forties suffered a heart attack and the family hurriedly took him to a car (no ambulance was available) to bring him to a hospital in Angeles City. There was traffic on the very narrow detour road and it took them time before they reached the hospital. He died few minutes after arrival. The doctor said: “I could have saved him if you brought him earlier”. End of story. The delay in the construction of two bridges was contributory in Bubby’s early demise.
There must be strict compliance among contractors on the deadlines of whatever infrastructure projects they are undertaking. As a matter of fact, projects finished before deadlines are entitled to bonuses, while those inordinately delayed should not only be charged payments for the slippages but to be banned from further participating in biddings.
Secretary Villar promised to purge delinquent contractors. I think he should make good his promise and I suggest he starts in Pampanga, particularly inspect the on-going projects being undertaken in the second congressional district and in Angeles City. To be specific, those in Florida Blanca, Porac and Macabebe. The Friendship bridge construction in Angeles City and the road upgrade up to the MacArthur Highway in Barangay Telebastagan in San Fernando definitely have more than the 15% slippage which necessitates a catch up plan. Mr. Secretary apply full pressure, particularly on the construction of the Friendship road. Sobra kabagal ang trabaho.
TIDBITS: Is it correct to effect a joint venture with a company when your own firm is effectively doing well, generating revenues and meeting targets? Prime Water, a company owned by former Senator Manny Villar is gobbling water districts in many provinces by promising them upgrades. Have the managements of these water districts conducted public hearings and consulted their customers, who in the future will absorb the cost? Or the managements easily succumbed because of millions of reasons? Just asking...One water district I’ve heard is buying bulk water from someone which has not much capability to provide such volume costing P14 million and then P34 million. The Local Water Utilities Administration is currently conducting an audit...It is a welcome development that the new management of Nayong Pilipino and promising improvements. The top executive Michelle Aguilar Ong hopefully is not only doing the improvements through press releases, but real action. Nayong Pilipino in Clark Freeport is another addition destination for tourists.