Hilmarcs vouches for integrity of Mkti bldg

MANILA, Philippines - Hilmarcs Corp. on Thursday vouched for the structural integrity of the 11-storey Makati Parking Building while shying away from allegations that the project was overpriced.

In a statement, Rogelio Peig claimed that the company, which has a 37-year experience in the construction business and one of the Top 10 construction companies in the country since 1977, is innocent of the accusations being hurled against it since its track record cannot be questioned.

“As far as how the building was constructed from the foundation to its every floor, the HCC can guarantee that is based on specifications approved by the client. Otherwise, we will not be paid based on the agreed contract price,” said Peig. The lawyer stressed that Hilmarcs should be insulated from the controversy, noting the construction was done in accordance with the highest standards of quality, apart from additional furnitures and interior designs it contributed.

The HCC official explained there is a big difference between the government and private sector when it comes to construction. In government contracts, he said the policy is “all in bid” where the contractor shoulders 100 percent of the cost of labor, materials, taxes, contingencies, insurance and other related expenses.

On the other hand, the practice in the private sector construction business is that only 35 percent to 45 percent of cost will be shouldered by the contractor and that the project owner usually answers for 60 percent of the project cost. Peig said that this way, the general contractor spends much less in a private project.

He stressed that they are ready to defend the Makati Parking Building contract from its foundations to each of the building’s floor.