Shimura proposes re-bidding of controversial project

CEBU, Philippines - If only to erase doubts on the credibility of the procurement process, Cebu Provincial Board Member Sun Shimura is proposing for the re-bidding of the P250 million light and heavy equipment project of the provincial government.

“In order to be fair pod sa ubang mga bidders. It is better kun ingon ana to take away doubts nga di gyud malikayan labi na election season na,” Shimura told reporters yesterday.

He said he is more concerned about the alleged irregularities of the bidding, wondering why ConEquip Philippines, Inc., the winning bidder, was allowed to participate again after it was disqualified for failing to submit all documents required.

Conequip has filed a motion for reconsideration on its disqualification, which was eventually granted by the Capitol’s Bids and Awards Committee.

The BAC said Conequip was the bidder with the “lowest calculated and responsive bids” to supply the equipment at P250 million. It also found the company to be compliant with all the required specifications.

“Evaluation was conducted not just on the amounts of the bid per se, but the amounts vis-à-vis certain specifications. One can be the lowest bidder but not responsive to all the requirements and conditions specified in the bid documents.  To be awarded the contract, the bidder must be the lowest calculated responsive bid,” the BAC explained earlier.

Conequip bested RDAK Transport Equipment, Inc. which offered P235 million and Civic Merchandising, Inc. with a P237-million bid. BAC post-disqualified RDAK and Civic as they did not meet the specification requirements.

The BAC documents are still pending before the Provincial Board’s Ad-Hoc Committee for review before Governor Hilario Davide III gets the authority to enter into and sign the contract.

In a separate interview, Jone Seigfred Sepe, officer-in-charge of the Provincial General Services Office and member of the BAC, said the decision to allow or disallow Davide to enter into a contract lies with the PB.

He said a re-bidding would only be considered if there is a failure of bidding or upon the discretion of the governor.

Davide, however, reiterated his previous statement that he trusts the BAC, belying all the allegations hurled against it.

“They (BAC members) followed the laws and regulations on procurement. I know nga kining blocktimers are paid to attack me. That really pisses me off,” he said during his regular press conference.

He then challenged his detractors and those who doubt the bidding process to sue if they believe it was rigged.  (FREEMAN)