DPWH blacklists 2 suppliers over substandard asphalt used for Osmeña flyover

MANILA, Philippines - Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Rogelio Singson said yesterday they have blacklisted two suppliers who were allegedly responsible for the substandard asphalt that was used in the repair of the Osmeña flyover in Makati City.

He said they traced the defects in the first attempt to repair the flyover, which straddles Gil Puyat Avenue, to the poor quality of asphalt supplied by DPWH-accredited firms Filipino Ready Mix Corp. and Pacific Concrete Products Inc.

“We have removed the accreditation of the asphalt suppliers and blacklisted them from (participating in) any government project of DPWH,” Singson said.

He hinted that it was possible that the two firms might have long been supplying below par quality asphalts in other projects.

In an earlier interview, DPWH National Capital Region (NCR) director Reynaldo Tagudando said that the contractor has to make the necessary corrective measures since “the asphalt has deteriorated” a few days after the flyover was opened to vehicular traffic. Motorists complained that the newly repaired flyover was dotted with potholes, some of them inches deep.

The blacklisting should serve as a warning to other contractors and suppliers that the DPWH is serious in its commitment to spend government funds properly and is bent on delivering quality infrastructure projects to the people, Singson said.

“I think there are still some contractors and suppliers who still think that we are not serious with our work. They think that it is still business as usual,” said the DPWH chief.

Singson also announced that because of the frequent heavy rains, contractor Tokwing Construction will start redoing asphalt overlay of the flyover on Oct. 21 instead of yesterday. Tokwing, which will shoulder the cost of the second round of repairs, was given two weeks to finish the job.

The first round of repairs started May 6 and was completed on Aug. 28. The project reportedly cost the government less than a P100 million.