Prov’l gov’t saves P20M in hospital bidding, says Agana
ROXAS CITY – The provincial government under the leadership of Gov. Victor Tanco, Sr. saved some P20 million in a bidding conducted by the Bids and Award Committee (BAC) last January for the construction of Sen. Gerry Roxas Memorial Hospital in Dao, Capiz which is funded by the Department of Health (DOH).
Engr. Edgar Agana, Officer-In-Charge (OIC) provincial engineer told The News Today (TNT) that the proposed hospital has a minimum bid in the amount of P55 million however, Kirskat Ventures, which won the bidding, offered to undertake the project for P34.9 million.
Agana assured a similar bidding procedure will be conducted in the acquisition of 200 mono block chairs and tables.
Earlier, the provincial government earned negative commentaries from the local media after the minimum bid for the said acquisition reportedly reached P17,900.00.
“The proposed procurement of 200 mono block chairs with tables has not yet undergone bidding and is not yet consummated,” Agana clarified.
According to him, the invitation to bid was advertised at the PHILGEPS thus, many bidders are expected to participate in the bidding.
Agana also invited the people especially the local media to observe the bidding and witness on how the capitol follow the bidding procedure as stated in Republic Act (RA) 9284.
Earlier, the Commission on Audit (COA) found that there was an irregularity in the purchase of ambulance in the amount of P1,140,000 last year.
The COA had sought an explanation from the provincial government after it discovered “deficiencies and errors” in the bidding such as lack of information on the deadline for the submission of eligibility requirements and other data on the invitation to apply and to bid.
However, Budget Officer and BAC chairman Antonio Arbis strongly denied the alleged irregularity.
Arbis said in his seven-page explanation letter to COA Supervising Auditor Margaret Y. Arroyo and audit team leader Atty. Walter Meñez, that there was bidding conducted on the said purchase.
The budget officer also presented a copy of the PHILGEPS Invitation to Apply and to Bid as evidence the bidding was widely published and posted in conspicuous places within the provincial Capitol.
