CCMC phase 5 project ‘Hasty’ bidding questioned

CEBU, Philippines — The Cebu City Council revisited ongoing concerns about the construction of the Cebu City Medical Center (CCMC) during an executive session on Wednesday, with some councilors expressing frustration over the lack of detailed cost estimates and the seemingly hasty bidding process for Phase 5.

Department of Engineering and Public Works (DEPW) head Engr. Lowell Corminal revealed during the session that Phase 5 of the CCMC project had already been bid out. Corminal explained that detailed Programs of Work and Estimates (POWE) were completed and prepared before the bidding commenced.

However, Councilor Nestor Archival Sr., Minority Floor Leader, questioned the completeness of the documents submitted by the DEPW.

"The plans transmitted to my office were found to be incomplete, specifically lacking the detailed POWE for Phase 5," said Archival. He emphasized that without such documentation, the P700-million bidding for Phase 5 could not be justified.

“We, the council, have been asking you and the executive that before the bidding, everything should also be submitted if this is the right thing,” Archival stated, underscoring the need for transparency in the process.

Archival further expressed frustration that the council’s calls to temporarily halt the bidding were ignored.

“Gi pwersa gyud na ninyo og bidding, naunsa man mo?” he lamented, noting that the project has already cost P2 billion and is only capped at the third floor.

He also pointed out issues with the construction, including non-functioning air-conditioning units that he deemed unsuitable for a hospital environment.

“Para nako gihimo ninyo og minantinil… You cannot just give me something nga klaro,” he added, reiterating his demand for a detailed POWE and an as-built plan for all phases of the project.

Councilor Mary Ann de los Santos joined Archival in criticizing the rapid bidding process, noting that key procedures were not properly followed. Both councilors questioned the timing of the bidding, which took place on December 23, 2024 — just a day before Christmas.

In response, Corminal clarified that the DEPW had prepared and submitted POWEs for Phases 1 to 4 but admitted that the POWE for Phase 5 was still being endorsed to the Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) for approval.

He also maintained that the bidding process was conducted based on a summarized scope of work to avoid overwhelming the POWE.

“Being the agency, naa gyud nay detail or else ang contractor maoy gatahag ninyo ana [amount],” Archival countered, emphasizing the importance of detailed cost estimates in billing contractors and ensuring accountability.

Vice Mayor Donaldo Hontiveros, presiding over the session, suggested that DEPW discuss the issues raised by Archival in a separate meeting to reach a consensus on whether to proceed with the bidding. Archival agreed, noting that this step was necessary to dispel doubts about potential cost inflation.

Corminal also defended the integrity of his team, saying, “Since the POWE was prepared by me and my team, we would not risk our licenses and profession by signing a document we were not sure of.”

De los Santos reiterated her concerns about the project's prolonged delays, highlighting that the total cost for the CCMC now approaches P2 billion while remaining unfinished nearly a decade after construction began.

The session ended with a resolution to continue discussions at a later date.

It can be recalled that de los Santos initiated an investigation into the CCMC delays and urged Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia to halt the bidding process until all issues were resolved. On December 18, 2024, Garcia announced plans to bid out the construction of the 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th floors, with a budget exceeding P700 million, through a regular procurement process.

The council is now on its eight executive session in an effort to address long-standing issues and ensure the project is carried out transparently and efficiently. — /FPL (FREEMAN)