Gasataya warns of termination over drainage delays

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY — The city government is considering terminating two delayed drainage projects handled by the same contractor due to failure to complete them on time.

Mayor Greg Gasataya said during a press briefing Monday that the projects in question are located in Purok Nangka, Barangay 3, and the Reclamation Area near the Pope John Paul II Tower.

Gasataya has directed the City Legal Office (CLO) to review the contracts, citing the contractor’s failure to comply with the terms of its agreement with the city.

“We will check the compliance or status. If these projects do not comply with the agreement, the city will terminate the projects,” he said.

Last month, the mayor instructed the City Engineer’s Office to submit a list of all flood control and drainage projects, along with their status reports.

He said the contractor already started the projects and received mobilization funds but failed to complete the work on schedule.

Gasataya noted that one of the projects is nearing completion, but delays have caused flooding in the area.

“I already asked the CLO to look into the matter,” he said, adding that the company could face blacklisting.

To address issues involving contract non-compliance, Gasataya issued Executive Order No. 007 last month, creating the Bacolod City Contract Termination Review Committee.

The committee will handle the termination of procurement contracts for goods, infrastructure projects, and consulting services.

The executive order was issued pursuant to Section 71.4.6 of the Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act No. 12009 — the law revising RA 9184 or the Government Procurement Reform Act.

It outlines the proper procedures for contract termination and aims to safeguard procurement integrity, promote accountability, and uphold efficiency and transparency in the use of public funds.

The committee is chaired by City Legal Officer Karol Joseph Chiu, with vice chairperson Atty. Hermilo Pa-oyon, who also heads the Bids and Awards Committee.

Other members include City Administrator Mark Steven Mayo, City Planning Division head Mary Jean Ramos, City Budget Officer Maria Imelda Williams, City Engineer Loben Rafael Ceballos, Acting City Accountant Jeremae Ann Ceriaco, and a representative from the end-user department.

The committee is tasked with assisting Gasataya in executing his responsibilities under RA 12009 and may also invite concerned departments to submit comments and recommendations.

It may recommend the suspension of suppliers and service providers as provided by the IRR of the procurement law.

All recommendations made by the committee are subject to the approval of the city mayor.