Capitol in buying spree?

CEBU, Philippines - The Cebu provincial government is seems to be on a buying spree of vehicles.

While the authority to award the P250 million purchase of heavy equipment is still pending before the Provincial Board, the Capitol is set to purchase another set of brand new vehicles.

These include the 11 units of mini buses worth P33 million and two units of 4×4 SUV (Sports Utility Vehicle) and four units of 4x4 Pick-Up worth P9.7 million.

The mini buses, 31 to 34 persons sitting capacity, are said to be for the use in the Office of the Governor, Vice-Governor and to be distributed to the municipalities.

The other vehicles are for the use in the Office of the Governor, Office of the Vice-Governor, and heads of offices.

The budget for the contract was already included in the 2015 Annual Budget. During the time of then governor Gwendolyn Garcia, the Capitol purchased 26 Sinotruck tourist buses worth P67.5 million from ConEquip Philippines.

The payment of which was delayed until Governor Hilario Davide III took over the Capitol in 2013. Payments were later made after the documentary requirements were complied with.

The purchase of P250 million worth of heavy equipment has raised controversy after the Bids and Awards Committee headed by Provincial Administrator, lawyer Mark Tolentino, awarded it to ConEquip Philippines which bid the highest amount.

The ConEquip was also disqualified in the pre-qualification stage prompting BAC to declare RDAK Philippines as the lowest bidder with its bid amount of P235 million. Civic Merchandising was the second lowest with P237 million. However, ConEquip asked for a reconsideration which the BAC granted.

The bid documents are still pending for review before the Provincial Board's Ad-Hoc Committee chaired by PB Member Grecilda Sanchez-Zaballero.  (FREEMAN)