Capitol to go after underperforming contractors

Local

UNDERPERFORMING contractors may soon be barred from participating in provincial government projects as Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro steps up scrutiny of stalled infrastructure works.

“Most likely naa gyod ma-blacklist ani nila (contractors) because we cannot allow them to do more work in the province with that kind of performance that they gave. This has to stop,” Baricuatro said during a press conference.

The governor’s warning follows a sweeping review of 154 projects under the Provincial Engineering Office (PEO), which were temporarily suspended in July due to delays, contract violations, and lapses in compliance with bidding requirements.

Of these, 77 projects have already resumed after passing review, while another 77 remain under investigation, with some facing termination.

Assistant Provincial Administrator Aldwin Empaces noted that multiple stalled projects were linked to the same contractors, highlighting patterns of recurring underperformance.

“Mostly walay feasibility studies kining mga project nga gi-flag. Ma-delay gyod ang project. It takes so much money from the province unya dagko na kaayo’g slippage,” he said.

Empaces added that contractors whose projects show significant slippage, some as high as 30 percent, are recommended for termination to prevent further waste of government funds.

A notable case is the P109.44-million bulk water system in Alegria, awarded to the joint venture of SBK Construction and St. Gerard Construction.

The project is only 18 percent complete, far behind its 41.98 percent target as of August 2025. Documents reveal that unresolved site designations contributed to delays.

The province will rebid the Alegria project to qualified contractors, with stricter compliance requirements.

Meanwhile, the Malabuyoc bulk water project, already 95 percent complete, will continue until full operational status is achieved.

Empaces clarified that the decision to blacklist contractors will follow thorough investigation and performance tracking over previous projects.

“Well nag inform na ko ni Gov. nga mo decide ang BAC (Bids and Awards Committee) nga basin in the next meetings sa infrastructure naa gyud mi mga kontraktor nga i-blacklist based on their performance sa how many years,” he said.

During the suspension period, contractors were instructed to secure project sites, backfill trenches, protect equipment, and prevent hazards until further notice.

The province has yet to release an official list of firms facing potential sanctions but assured the public that names will be disclosed once the review is complete.(MyTVCebu)