Persina threatens to file civil case against Treñas over P1.3 M demolition contract
The plan of Mayor Jerry Treñas to expedite the construction of the multi-million seven storey new Iloilo City Hall building might be hindered after a city councilor, who actually is his political ally, threatened to file a temporary restraining order (TRO) before the court with regard to the forthcoming demolition of the old city hall building.
Councilor Antonio said he will be forced to seek a court intervention should the chief executive ignore the role of the Sangguniang Panlungsod in the approval of the contract with V.F. Solis Construction, the winning bidder for the demolition works.
believed Treñas violated the Local Government Code which provides that the mayor, representing the city government in entering into contracts, should request authority from the city council. He said he will seek audience with the mayor regarding the matter.
He contends that the approval of Republic Act 9184 or the Government Procurement Act does not amend the provision of the Local Government Code that calls for the council's approval. Thus, the mayor should seek the approval of the city council before entering into a contract.
added that he is not against the mayor's project to construct a new Iloilo City Hall building but he is concerned on the contract and the contractor as well as the entire project. His plan to file a civil case against the chief executive has nothing to do with politics, he said.
In the last election, Treñas and belong to one political party. 's entry to the administration group was made possible with the intervention of Justice Sec. Raul Gonzalez Sr. In 2004 election, Treñas and ran in the mayoralty race. Treñas won over .
On his part, Treñas said he came to know of the report only in the media since has yet to see him and seek explanation regarding the matter. The mayor stood by his ground saying he has not violated any law. He is not at all disturbed with 's threat to file a case against him.
The chief executive has already signed the notice to proceed the demolition after the City Bids and Awards Committee (CBAC) awarded the demolition contract of P1,318,751.89 to V.F Solis Construction. The construction firm won over against its competitor RB Dolar that offered a bid of P1.4 million.
The city likewise relied on the opinion rendered by DILG Sec. Andanar that under the Government Procurement and Policy Board (GPPB), the head of the procuring entity, which is Treñnas, need not secure authorization from the Sanggunian before he can enter into contracts awarded through a bidding process under RA 9184.