Contractor asks CH to pay P3.8 million

CEBU, Philippines - In time for the Christmas celebration, Gonzalodo Enterprises has appealed to the Cebu City Council to fast track the release of payment for the improvement of existing drainage system in barangay Sawang Calero amounting to P3.8 million.

Portion of the amount will be used to fund the Christmas bonus of the workers of the Gonzalodo as explained by Councilor Roberto Cabarrubias during the special session on Thursday afternoon.

Cabarrubias authored the measure authorizing Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama to enter into and sign a contract with Gonzalodo Enterprises for the undertaking of the drainage system located beside Ludo Complex of the said barangay.

In December 11, the council referred the measure to the committee on laws. Councilor Sisinio Andales, the chairperson of the committee, recommended to ratify the contract on Wednesday but it was not.

Councilors Alvin Arcilla, Eugenio Gabuya, Nida Cabrera, Richard Osmeña and Margarita Osmena opposed the measure while Councilors Dave Tumulak, Gerardo Carillo, Lea Japson and Alvin Dizon abstained from voting.

Margarita Osmena earlier questioned why the contract was issued after the completion of the project.

“We’ve been asked to authorize completed project already, it shouldn’t be that way,” Osmeña said.

In a letter dated December 18,  2013 addressed to the Council, Mary Ann Gonzalodo, the owner of the enterprise, has asked for reconsideration.

Gonzalodo said it was only after the project was done that they knew the contract was issued without council’s authority.

“I have no question on the wisdom of the august body but I want to make an appeal to allow payment on the completed project considering that we have introduced labor, equipment and materials in the project and the same has served the city,” she said.

The owner added that she had no knowledge regarding on the “intricacies of law and procedures” relying solely on the notice to proceed.

“Being the real party in interest, I would like to ask reconsideration on your decision during the council session last Wednesday in the contract for undertaking the project,” Gonzalodo said.

“Believing in good faith that the same was regularly issued ( notice to proceed) I proceeded with the project. When I received my first billing, I was not informed of any infirmity, hence we continued for the project,” Gonzalodo explained.

In a special session on Thursday, the council has decided to tackle the issue in an executive session on January 8 next year based on its urgency as to the giving of bonuses.— (FREEMAN)