By Ferdinand Patinio
MANILA – The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) on Friday ordered the suspension of and issued a show cause order to six members of the Bids and Awards Committee-Technical Working Group of the Baguio City District Engineering Office (DEO) for supposed anomalous bidding.
In a memorandum, Secretary Vince Dizon directed the DEO personnel, led by district engineer Rene Zarate to clarify the alleged rigging, fixing and manipulation of the bidding process in infrastructure projects.
Dizon also ordered Cesario Rillera, chief, Planning and Design Section; Nora Delos Santos, chief, Maintenance Section; Jessie Ramos, Engineer II, Planning and Design Section; Frances Vincent Saloria, Engineer II, Planning and Design Section; and Frigilda Legaspi, Administrative Officer II, to answer the allegations.
“This refers to a complaint received by this department alleging your participation in the rigging/fixing/manipulation of the bidding process for infrastructure projects in Baguio City DEO in exchange for one to three percent (1% – 3%) of the total contract or project cost,” read the memorandum dated Sept. 26.
“The said manipulation of the bidding process is allegedly done to favor contractors or companies used as dummies by the spouses and family members of certain employees of the DEO,” it added.
The six DPWH employees have five days to explain why they should not be slapped with administrative charges.
Dizon warned them that failure to respond would mean giving up their rights to be heard.
“Failure to respond within the stipulated time shall be construed as a waiver of your right to explain, and this Office shall resolve the matter based on the available records and evidence,” he added in the memorandum.
In August, Zarate declined the Baguio City Council’s invitation to attend a forum investigating alleged gross overpricing in several infrastructure projects, including cat’s eye highway lights, yellow road barriers, solar-powered streetlights and rock netting installations.
He reasoned that he and other engineers were also required to attend a regional staff meeting, rendering them unavailable. (PNA)
