PDMB contractor to get road project with Nani’s help?

The contractor that built the controversial President Diosdado Macapagal Boulevard in Pasay City is set to bag another road project, this time in Batangas, allegedly through the efforts of Justice Secretary Hernando Perez.

A source at the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) said the former Batangas congressman had been pressuring them to award the contract to JD Legaspi Construction.

Perez denied the allegation. "That’s crazy. As far as I know that road has already been finished even when I was still congressman," he told The STAR. "They should disqualify that contractor."

Certain individuals, including a supposed aide of Perez’s son, Batangas Rep. Francisco Perez, have been discouraging other bidders from participating, the source added.

When asked about this, the elder Perez said, "Tell them not to entertain those name-droppers," adding that they should be charged.

According to the source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, Perez endorsed the bid of JD Legaspi for the P41-million road project that would connect the towns of Bauan and Mabini.

The project — an asphalt overlay spanning several kilometers — is under the supervision of the DPWH. Funding was provided by World Bank affiliate International Bank for Reconstruction and Development.

JD Legaspi was able to "pre-qualify" for the bidding, using a Batangas-based construction company, Torreja Construction, as a front. Torreja allegedly has the backing of Perez and their papers had his signature, the source said.

A certain Jomar Gutierrez, who claimed to be an aide of Congressman Perez, has been "making the rounds," advising other bidders to back out of the project.

"That project has already been given to Secretary Perez. That is why you better withdraw your bids now," Gutierrez was quoted as telling other bidders, the DPWH source continued.

A director of the Philippine Contractors Accreditation Board, Philip Tan, is also allegedly discouraging other bidders to participate, the source said, adding that Perez helped Tan to get appointed to the board.

"But even before the conference. Tan approached some of the bidders and pressured them to withdraw," the source said. One bidder was offered P4 million in exchange for its withdrawal.

A pre-bidding conference for the Batangas road project is set tomorrow at the DPWH main office in Manila. The conference will determine the "short list" of the most qualified bidders.