Court opinion eyed on unpaid projects

CEBU, Philippines - The Capitol considers going to court to seek an opinion on the legality of its refusal to pay some of the contractors after the Commission on Audit ignored its request on the matter.

Vice Governor Agnes Magpale said that COA's refusal to aid the provincial government may compel the Capitol to bring the matter before the court.

"I agree with the governor, go to court nalang. Let the court decide. I share the opinion of the governor nga un-enforceable ang contract kay way Provincial Board approval," said Magpale.

Magpale was referring to some projects approved during the administration of then governor Gwendolyn Garcia which her successor, Governor Hilario Davide III, does not want to pay the contractors because these did not have the approval of the board. Two examples Davide had cited are the provincial hospitals in Danao City and Balamban, which were padlocked by contractors after the governor refused to pay the balance.

Magpale said they are now on a dilemma with what to do with these two hospitals because of the problem with the contractors. Davide wanted to continue the project but they could not do so without the consent of the contractors.

The Capitol requested several times for an opinion from COA on the matter but the latter did not respond to it.

"Wa jud motubag…willing to come kuno sila but unofficial ra. We need an official stand," Magpale said. She said they have also written to the Department of the Interior and Local Government for their opinion. — (FREEMAN)