DepEd holds payment to contractor of substandard school furniture

CEBU, Philippines - Education Secretary Jesli Lapus has ordered withholding the payment of the contractor of the P17 million worth of school furniture purchased by the Province of Cebu that were found to be substandard.

Lapus, who visited Lapu-Lapu City the other day for a speaking engagement, also told reporters that the defects of the chairs, students and teachers tables are now being addressed by the winning contractor.

While waiting for the completion of the repairs he ordered the withholding of payments, although he failed to specify how much had already been paid to the contractor.

When asked about complaints of the alleged favoritism and special treatment given by the members of the Bids and Awards Committee of the Department of Education-Cebu province to the contractor, Lapus said its like politics where no one accepts defeat.

Lapus said the issue should be settled at the proper forum and formal complaints should be filed.

The two lowest bidders —JEC Lumber and Ramagal Sash— were disqualified for allegedly submitting defective papers, false information and poor performance in previous projects, they are expected to file their separate complaints next week before the Office of the Ombudsman-Visayas.

The two contractors strongly denied these statements made by Bids and Award Committee members and accused them of giving special treatment to Gala Industries, Inc.

The House of Representatives may also look into the alleged irregularities.

Akbayan party-list Rep. Risa Hontiveros-Baraquel filed a resolution directing the House Committee on Good Government, Basic Education, and other appropriate committees to conduct an inquiry in aid of legislation.

“There is a need to inquire on the compliance of Gala Industries, Inc. to the contract if entered into with the Department of Education-Cebu in terms of the quality of the pieces of furniture procured by the government using public funds,” the resolution of Baraquel read.

The FREEMAN reported last April on the alleged irregularities of the bidding following complaints raised by parents and teachers that the delivered school furniture were substandard and did not comply with the specifications.

Sources said that it is part of the 2007 school furniture project of DepEd-Cebu province.

It was also learned that the project was awarded to Gala Industries, Inc. which was the third lowest bidder. — Jose P. Sollano/BRP (THE FREEMAN)