MikeLigalig.com

By Sunday Post

The bidding of 13 Isuzu Crosswind XL for use by members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan went on smoothly last week although some quizzical eyebrows were raised when it was learned that another supplier was capable of delivering the units at P17,000 lesser.

A supplier who refused to be identified intimated to the Post that had he been allowed to participate in the bidding, his quotation was only P783,000 for the same unit as specified in the Invitation to Bid by the Bids and Awards Committee.

This means that any private buyer from the local Isuzu dealer here will only pay the amount of P783,000.This was confirmed by a private Isuzu buyer who refused to be identified for fear of being dragged into the fracas.

When the local supplier was asked why he was not able to participate in the bidding although he had already prepared his quotation indicating the bid amount of P783,000, he said he  was reportedly prevailed upon by Isuzu-Mandaue. This is the same company that emerged as the lone bidder after the local supplier backed off upon its representation.

With this development, some concerned taxpayers lamented that if it was the case, then it appeared as if the winner was the highest bidder. It is mandated in the procurement of government supplies and or contracts that the winner  is always  the lowest bidder.

The same concerned taxpayers believed that if only the local supplier was awarded the contract to supply the motor vehicle requirement of the SP, it would have been to the advantage of the local economy taking into account the money in circulation.

Part of the  total purchase prize of P10.8 million representing the profit margin  of the supplier  for the 13 units of Izusu Crosswind XL should have circulated in Bohol if  only the lowest bidder was allowed to participate in the bid.

The purchase of the vehicles for SP members raised a howl of protest from various sectors when it came at a time when  Boholanos were inundated by the deluge of rising prices of basic commodities.

The SP members, however, particularly V-Gov. Julius Caesar Herrera, although sensitive to critical remarks, went ahead with the plan to buy the vehicles justifying that it was long overdue. The vice governor said the old vehicles used by SP members are already dilapidated and maintaining them has become more expensive.

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