Capitol freezes 128 infra projects due to lack of required docs

Local

THE Cebu Provincial Government has frozen payments for 128 infrastructure contracts totaling P1.1 billion after auditors found that many of the projects lacked complete procurement records from the previous administration of former governor Gwendolyn Garcia.

Assistant Provincial Administrator Aldwin Empaces said on Monday, Nov. 24, that several folders turned over to the new administration were either missing or contained only partial documents.

Some had no procurement management plans, no funding certifications, or no post-qualification papers.

“The problem is that under regular bidding requirements, before you issue a notice to proceed or even the contract itself, all post-qualification requirements and other documents must be completed,” Empaces said.

A review by the Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) under Governor Pamela Baricuatro confirmed that some project files were empty.

“They did not follow bidding requirements, and many documents were lacking. So, in effect, the courts will have to decide whether the contractors must be paid or not,” he added.

The questioned projects include roadworks, bridges, lamp posts, and bulk water systems, with individual costs ranging from P1 million to P300 million.

More than 50 contractors are involved, including several appearing across multiple procurements. Some contracts were halted after only about 10 percent of the work was reportedly finished.

Provincial Legal Officer Restituto Arnaiz said the Capitol will refrain from releasing funds until contractors can submit the proper paperwork.

He explained that contractors would have to elevate their claims to the courts, and the province would be bound to follow any resulting order.

Arnaiz also raised concerns over how the previous BAC allowed projects to move forward despite the absence of required documents.

Empaces said the current administration intends to fix procedural lapses and reinforce internal controls to ensure similar cases do not recur.

Several of the flagged projects date back to 2024 and the early months of 2025.

He acknowledged that some legitimate contractors were caught in the situation but said any proof of document submission would be evaluated in court.

As part of efforts to promote transparency, the Capitol’s BAC conducted a public hearing on Nov. 13 to fine-tune procurement rules.

Among the updates discussed were Executive Order 15, which created the Provincial Project Monitoring Committee, and a more detailed checklist of technical and financial requirements for contractors.

Gov. Pamela Baricuatro earlier said the proposed P12-billion 2026 budget, including about P4 billion for infrastructure, aims to strengthen responsible governance and fiscal discipline.

Empaces added that P500 million of next year’s budget has been earmarked for debt servicing to cover outstanding obligations.

Officials said the recent review and public consultation signal the Capitol’s push for transparent processes and dependable delivery of infrastructure programs as Cebu continues its development efforts.(MyTVCebu)