Saavedra files rap v. DPWH 7 bids committee

Businessman Crisologo Saavedra filed a complaint before the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) 7, accusing some of its officials of violating the bidding procedures for the construction of a four-lane flyover in Mandaue City.

In his complaint, Saavedra claimed that the DPWH 7’s bids and awards committee (BAC) violated the bidding process to allegedly favor a firm for the P1-billion project.

Saavedra addressed his complaint to the DPWH 7 BAC secretary.

Saavedra, who claims to be a consultant of one of the bidders, said that the committee intentionally rescheduled the bidding process at an earlier time allegedly to disqualify and discouraged other bidders.

Saavedra claims that the DPWH 7 published an invitation to bid at the website of the Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System (PhilGEPS) last Sept. 2 to 8.

Based on the invitation, DPWH7 set the start of the bidding process on Oct. 23.

But Saavedra claimed that the prospective bidders were informed that the opening of bid documents has been moved to Oct. 11.

The bidders reportedly sought for an extension so that they can be given more time to prepare their designs and estimates, but the BAC refused, Saavedra said.

He said that changing the schedule of the opening of bid documents contrary to what was posted in PhilGEPS is a clear violation of Republic Act 9184, or the Government Procurement Law.

Saavedra said that he will file a complaint before the Office of the President if DPWH 7 proceeds with the opening of bid documents on Oct. 11.

SunStar Cebu tried to get the side of DPWH 7 Director Ador Canlas but calls and text messages to his cellular phone remained unanswered.erve a second chance,” Palma said. /