Proposed ordinance seeks to avert delays in construction of infra projects in Iloilo City

Councilor Joshua Alim has filed an ordinance that seeks to prevent delays in the construction of government-funded infrastructure projects in Iloilo City.

The “Anti-Delay of Government Projects in Iloilo City Ordinance” requires the “Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and its  instrumentalities to furnish the city government, through the City Engineering Office (CEO) and the Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP), the detailed engineering investigations, surveys and designs, including the qualifications and capability of the participating contractors of the government projects to be implemented within the jurisdiction of the city.”

Instrumentalities are “offices or agencies that are under the control and supervision of the DPWH.”

Alim said: “There are so many projects being undertaken by the DPWH-6 or its instrumentalities in the city that are delayed due to, among others, lack of proper engineering investigations and surveys.”

According to him, the strict compliance to Republic Act No. 9184 or the Government Procurement Reform Act and submission of necessary documents would help avert construction delays.

Contractors are also required to a secure “Resolution of No Objection” from the city council.

Violators, under the proposed measure, will be slapped with a “fine of P5,000 and imprisonment of six to eight months.”

“In case of a contractor, an administrative penalty of cancellation of business permit shall ne imposed in addition to the fine and imprisonment. In case of a corporation, the president shall be criminally liable.”

“The DPWH and its instrumentality as head of the Procuring Entity shall be criminally and administratively liable.”

The proposed ordinance also mandates City Mayor Jose Espinosa III to create an oversight committee through an executive order.

Alim said the oversight committee would “monitor the progress of the projects and implement this ordinance accordingly.”

It is also tasked to “make recommendation to Espinosa on violations and the filing of administrative and criminal cases against violators.

SOURCE: Iloilo Metropolitan Times

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