‘Flood-control projects not cancelled’

By Albert B. Lacanlale

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO—Contrary to earlier reports, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) did not cancel the 19 flood control projects, four of which are in Pampanga, all over the country.

This was according to Alfredo Tolentino, DPWH Regional Director for Central Luzon, in response to news articles published last week that the 19 projects were ordered scrapped by the new Public Works secretary Rogelio Singson.

Tolentino said that Singson merely ordered that the contracts for the projects be reviewed as part of the Aquino Administration’s bid to “regularize” government transactions.

Singson, Tolentino said, wants bidding to be conducted for DPWH projects and negotiated contracts shall be minimized, if not totally prohibited.

The flood control projects that are now under government scrutiny include one in: Arayat, worth P77,315,428.96, awarded to L.R. Tiqui Builders, Inc.; Candaba, worth P78,714,659.59, under Northern Builders; Barangay Bodega, Floridablanca, worth P27, 447,484.14, under Northern Builders; Guagua and Lubao, worth P16,451,747.20, also awarded to L.R. Tiqui Builders, Inc.

Copies of a memorandum sent to DPWH regional offices, however, showed that the holding of the 19 projects is due to the government’s effort to arrest further climb in the country’s budget deficit.

This memorandum was prompted by a letter from the Department of Budget and Management over the possible increase in the budget deficit should the projects be pushed through.

A DPWH official, who requested anonymity for fear of reprisal, said however that the contracts, though negotiated, passed through the proper procedure and review.

“Negotiated contracts are done only when it is impossible to have the project pass through the regular 45-day minimum bidding process such as when the project is for emergency flood mitigation work. There are instances that we have to undertake other mode of procurement aside from the regular bidding. But doing so does not mean we are going beyond what is provided for by law,” the official said.