NBI to probe P8.1-B DOH project mess

The Department of Justice (DOJ) has ordered an investigation into alleged irregularities in a project of the Department of Health (DOH) worth P8.1 billion involving the construction of 5,700 barangay health stations in public schools across the country.

DOJ Secretary Menardo Guevarra told The STAR yesterday he directed the National Bureau of Investigation to look into the alleged anomaly in the project, which was initiated by former DOH secretary Janette Garin.

Health Secretary Francisco Duque III bared the alleged anomaly last week, saying the project sites were “not validated” by the DOH, Department of Education and Department of the Interior and Local Government. He also cited problems from the planning, procurement and project implementation.

Duque had earlier requested Commission on Audit Chairman Michael Aguinaldo to conduct a “fraud audit” of the project.

The DOH chief also asked the Office of the Ombudsman to investigate the transaction.

Arbitration case

Julieanne Jorge, director for operations of JBros. Construction Corp., the contractor of the project, said they filed a case against Duque and other DOH officials before the Construction Industry Arbitration Commission (CIAC) for refusing to pay them for 22 percent of the project they had completed.

“CIAC will determine how much is due to us and how much in total that we can claim from the DOH. CIAC can then issue an order to DOH to settle its obligation with us,” Jorge told a press conference.

Except for P1.2 bilion in “mobilization fees,” she said JBros had not been paid a single cent for the P2.1 billion it spent for the project.

“It seems that Secretary Duque has a different interpretation of the contract,” Jorge said.

She said under the contract, the DOH should pay JBros after at least 20 percent of the project was accomplished.

Jorge also questioned the timing of Duque’s revelation of the supposed anomaly, noting that it came after JBros filed the case.

Meanwhile, DOH Undersecretary Enrique Domingo clarified that Duque is not meeting with JBros officials because he believes that it is ”inappropriate” for government officials to meet with a supplier or contractor.

Domingo gave assurance that DOH officials are ready to face JBros before the CIAC.

A task force is investigating the alleged scam, he added.