DPWH chief orders review of performance of contractors

MANILA, Philippines - Public Works Secretary Rogelio Singson ordered yesterday a review of the performance of contractors after the Commission on Audit (COA) criticized the agency for allegedly failing to go after erring contractors since 2007.

COA had recommended to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to blacklist and file charges against contractors that failed to honor their obligations, but the state auditors’ initiative was ignored by public works officials.

Singson said he already has a copy of the COA report.

He assured COA officials that actions are being taken and requested that he be given time to produce results.

“We are reviewing. We issued an order to review the performance of the contractors. We have only just assumed office last year, and these contractors that they have been complaining against are the contractors of the past,” Singson said.

“I am not giving any alibi. We are doing our job,” he added.

He also explained that in some instances, the contractors are not the cause of delay. Among the common factors beyond the control of the contractor are delays caused by the presence of illegal settlers and road right of way (RROW).

Singson said, “If you will look into some of these projects that they are mentioning, and I have checked, the reason why these projects remain unfinished is because the government failed to deliver the RROW.”

One example, he said, is the Commonwealth Flyover that reportedly connects Tandang Sora and Luzon Avenue, and which would have connected the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) and the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX).

“It has been years since we started working on the (Commonwealth Flyover) project but we could not finish it because of RROW. So, the middle section is already complete, but the approaches could not yet be finished because of RROW and illegal occupants,” he added.

Meanwhile, DPWH Undersecretary for Support Services Jaime Pacanan said that the issue has already been tackled in their Management Committee meeting last Monday.