Rejected bidder asks city government to reconsider decision

CEBU, Philippines — After its bid was rejected, the lowest bidder in the city’s plan to purchase 19 big buses has asked the Cebu City government to reconsider its decision.

Ronald Malacora, head of the city’s Bids and Awards Committee, said the committee has received a motion for reconsideration from Dura Built Motor Inc.

Last month, Mayor Tomas Osmeña has denied the bids of two companies that offered China-made buses.

“Nag paabot pa sa resolution sa motion for reconsideration sa gisang-at sa lowest bidder,” Malacora said.

There are four bidders in the P152-million purchase of 19 big buses that include JACG United Enterprises, Inc, Yutong, United Enterprises, Dura Built Motor Inc., RDAK Transport, and Hino Motor Phils Corp.

The lowest bidder was Dura Built Motor Inc. and the second lowest bidder was JACG United Enterprises, Inc, Yutong.

Malacora said Osmeña, as the head of the procuring entity, has the authority to approve or disapprove the recommendations of the BAC.

Osmeña has yet to decide on the motion for reconsideration the Dura Built Motor Inc. has forwarded.

The problem with the China-made buses, Malacora said, is the after sale service of spare parts availability.

He added that the city had first-hand experience before when it transacted with companies that offered vehicles whose spare parts can only be bought in China.

“Humana og post qualify sa third bidder kay gi-deny man ang first ug second bidders,” he said.

Malacora said the third lowest bidder was RDAK Transport while the fourth lowest bidder was Hino Motor Phils Corp. Both companies reportedly offered Japanese-made buses.

The BAC has recommended to award the purchase of 19 big buses to the third lowest bidder, RDAK Transport, but it is still waiting for Osmeña to decide on the motion for reconsideration filed by Dura Built, Malacora said.

“Kay ang BAC ni-recommend naman og awarding but pag abot sa mayor, who is the head of the procuring entity, iyaha manang decision because of our previous experiences with China-branded trucks,” Malacora added.

This year, the city allocated P232 million to purchase 40 buses for its free ride program. Each 50-seater bus costs P8 million.

As this developed, the city’s BAC is also conducting post qualification proceedings of two companies that participated in the P66 million worth of purchase for the 22 minibuses at P3 million each.

The two bidders were Dura Built Motor Inc. and JACG United Enterprises, Inc, Yutong.

Malacora said the 22 mini buses will be used for the free rides of college students living in the remote barangays in the city. (FREEMAN)