House seeks inquiry into controversial water project

CEBU, Philippines - The House Committee on Good Government and Public Accountability will conduct congressional inquiry on the alleged irregularities involving the P6.3 billion worth of Metro Cebu Water District Bulk Water Project.

This is in response to the letter of radio commentator Jun Arigo, the president of the Cebu Association of Media Practitioners, addressed to President Benigno Aquino III with a copy furnished to the office of the House Speaker.

“The Committee Secretariat studied the contents of your letter and submitted that the same can be considered in the pending congressional inquiry on House Resolution No. 569 as having similar subject and issue,” said Representative Oscar Rodriguez in his letter dated September 24, 2014 addressed to Arigo.

Rodriguez said the committee which he chairs is presently undertaking inquiry, in aid of legislation, on the alleged refusal of Metro Iloilo Water District to comply with its contractual obligations, sponsored by Representative Jerry Treñas.

“Rest assured that we will notify you of any developments in the congressional inquiry stated and you are welcome to attend the public hearings thereon,” Rodriguez added.

Arigo raised to the President some issues and concerns on the P6.3 billion worth of MCWD Bulk Water Project which was awarded to the Cebu Manila Water Development last December 13, 2013.

He alleged that the contract was given to a favored bidder and there was allegedly an attempt to “buy out” other bidders in the form of making them back out of the bidding process.

One reference in the bidding process requires the winning bidder to finish the multi-billion peso project in six months.  Other allegations include bypassing of the National Economic Development Authority  in this deal and the violation of the Republic Act 9184, otherwise known as the Government Procurement Act.

There was reportedly a failure of bidding and no resetting of bid dates, instead the contract was awarded to a lone bidder.   Arigo expressed his willingness to be a whistleblower on the issue to make the administration come out clean and pure.  (FREEMAN)