DPWH: No anomalies in 4 Iloilo projects
The Department of Public Works and Highways 6 has denied anomalies in the construction of four major infrastructure projects in Iloilo province that commenced recently.
The denial came after former Provincial Administrator Manuel Mejorada exposed that “the DPWH without the necessary funding appropriation” conducted a bidding for projects that included the P163.4- million replacement of the E.Marcos Bridge in Maasin; P81.4-million completion of the Camanggahan Bridge in Guimbal; P101.4-million completion of the B. Aquino Bridge in Leon; and P61-million repair and rehabilitation of the Leganes-Dumangas Coastal Road.
DPWH Regional Director Rolando Asis said they are now preparing a response to the allegations of Mejorada as he stressed that “there was no shortcut” in giving the awards and that the projects were not in anyway “tainted with graft and corruption.”
Asis said the source of funds for the four projects has long been identified, negating the claim of Mejorada that there was “no appropriation” to speak of when the bidding was conducted.
The four infrastructures are all priority projects and were not chosen “based on politics” as alleged by Mejorada.
The three bridges were part of the 11 bridges in Iloilo destroyed by typhoon Frank in 2008.
Meanwhile, Provincial Administrator Raul Banias, who was chief of Task Force Bangon Panay while he was still Presidential Assistant for Western Visayas, also denied the reported anomalous projects alleged by his predecessor.
Mejorada, who sought investigation from Budget Secretary Florencio Abad and Public Works and Highways Secretary Rogelio Singson, claimed the public bidding for the four projects was irregular for it came ahead of the special allotment release order.
He alleged that the selection of projects was based on politics and meant as reward for loyalty and to build up the campaign war chests for those allied with then President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
While admitting that he played a vital role in following up the projects, Banias denied the allegations hurled by Mejorada.
“I played central role in the follow up of projects but it was because of my responsibility,” he said.
He said what Mejorada is doing is squid tactic perhaps meant to silence him from divulging the many audit disallowances that had happened during the time of Gov. Niel Tupas Sr. PNA
