Half of suspended Capitol projects cleared to resume

CEBU, Philippines —  Half of the 154 infrastructure projects earlier suspended by Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro for review and audit have been cleared to resume construction after contractors secured the necessary clearances and endorsements from the Provincial Engineering Office (PEO).

The remaining 77 projects are still under review to determine compliance with procurement laws, auditing standards, and funding requirements.

In a memorandum, Baricuatro ordered the immediate resumption of the cleared projects.

“Accordingly, you are directed to facilitate the orderly recommencement of all affected projects, ensure strict adherence to approved plans and specifications and regularly submit progress reports to the Office of the Governor,” the memo read.

Baricuatro stressed that the suspension was never meant to be permanent.

“We are not automatically and permanently suspending the projects. We did not,” she clarified.

She cited Section 16 of the Local Government Code, which authorizes governors to suspend projects that pose immediate risks to the public or workers.

“This is necessary kay we are using taxpayers’ money here. So kung substandard ang project unya gamiton sa mga tao, mas dako pa ta’g problema ani,” Baricuatro said.

She emphasized that protecting constituents’ welfare is the primary reason for the review.

Baricuatro also warned contractors who cannot produce complete documents during the bidding and procurement process that they may face termination.

Provincial Engineer Hector Jamora confirmed that several projects are already being prepared for termination due to lack of progress.

“Naa silay nakita nga for termination of permits kay wala pa sila nakasugod,” Jamora explained.

Other projects, he said, only require missing paperwork to proceed with procurement procedures. Some contractors, meanwhile, have already submitted complete documentation, allowing their projects to continue.

Baricuatro had ordered the immediate stoppage of all ongoing projects under the PEO on July 28. By August 22, construction operations—including excavation, civil works, electrical installations, and material mobilization—were officially halted.

The suspension covered 140 projects under the PEO’s Construction Division and 14 under its Waterworks Division. These projects were initially awarded during the administration of former governor Gwendolyn Garcia.

The review process includes examining project plans, contracts, and implementation practices to detect compliance gaps and areas needing improvement.

During the suspension period, contractors were required to secure their project sites, backfill open trenches, eliminate hazards, safeguard equipment, restore critical works, and maintain site integrity until clearance was granted.

          SBK AND DISCAYA-LINKED BULK WATER PROJECTS

Meanwhile, two bulk water projects worth ?180.42 million—previously flagged for their links to companies owned by controversial flood control contractor Cezarah Rowena Discaya—are also being worked out to ensure continuation.

Baricuatro and PEO officials visited the water systems this week to check their current state.

The projects, awarded in 2023 and 2024 to St. Gerard Construction and Development Corp., include a ?109.44-million bulk water system in Alegria and a ?70.99-million project in Malabuyoc.

Documents show the Alegria project was awarded to a joint venture between St. Gerard Construction and SBK Construction Inc., where Atty. Joe Kenneth Arbas serves as managing officer.

Arbas said problems in Alegria stemmed from the lack of a designated site for the water treatment facility and reservoir.

In Malabuyoc, SBK reported 95.28 percent accomplishment, though the project remains stalled pending electricity supply from the provincial government through CEBECO.

After meeting with Capitol officials, Arbas said the Malabuyoc project is now set to proceed, while the Alegria project still requires further discussions to determine the next steps.(CEBU NEWS)