The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is investigating alleged irregularities in the awarding of four
infrastructure projects in Iloilo province by the previous administration.
According to DPWH Western Visayas director Rolando Asis, the DPWH Internal Audit Service officer Ardeliza Medenilla has sent Ranulfo Suyom to Iloilo to “investigate and gather documents†in connection with a complaint filed by former Iloilo provincial administrator Manuel Mejorada who charged that bids were conducted on May 7, 2010 “without the approved budget for the contract having been determined.
“There was no basis for establishing the Approved Agency Estimate (AAE) for each contract,†he said in his complaint, dated July 22, 2010.
And yet, the lump sum appropriation of P600 million, released under Special Allotment Release Order (Saro) No. A-10-05014, to cover the contracts was issued by the Department of Budget and Management on May 21, “a full two weeks after the opening of bids,†Mejorada said.
The Saro, signed by then Budget Secretary Joaquin Lagonera, covered various infrastructure projects, including P545 million for local projects for roads, highways and bridges as well as P55 million for flood control.
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