ILOILO CITY -- A proposed ordinance here wants to ensure that projects implemented by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and its instrumentalities do not incur delays.
City Councilor Joshua Alim said Thursday he will submit to the Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP/City Council) his proposed “Anti-Delay of Government Project Ordinance” for first reading on September 4.
Aside from ensuring that the project is fast-tracked, it will also make sure that the implementation of projects follows the Government Procurement Act and that the city government is aware of nationally-implemented projects.
In his proposal, the councilor wanted the DPWH and its instrumentalities, prior to the bidding, to furnish the city government the detailed engineering investigation, surveys and designs and the qualifications and capability of participating contractors. These documents would be submitted to the Iloilo City District Engineering Office and the Provincial Board.
He said the Government Procurement Act provides that before the conduct of a bidding, there has to be an engineering investigation, designs and plans for the purpose of determining where the project will pass.
“The act provides that there will be no award or bidding if the proposed project is not investigated,” he added.
Alim said that with this, they would know if there are problems, such as the right of way or any other impediment that delay project implementation.
After submitting the document to the city government, they are also required to secure a resolution of no objection from the Provincial Board for the project.
Alim said violation of the ordinance would mean holding the concerned agency and its instrumentalities criminally and administratively liable. The proposed fine is PHP5,000 and imprisonment of up to eight months.
“It will not be redundant with the Procurement Act because the purpose is for the LGU (local government unit) to also know of nationally implemented projects,” he added.
He said he expects that once it is passed, it would reduce the delay in the implementation of projects in the city.
The proposed ordinance also wants the mayor to create an oversight committee to look into the progress of the project, monitor the implementation of the legislation, and make recommendations for possible amendment. (PNA)
