Cebu provincial government to blacklist underperforming contractors

CEBU, Philippines — Contractors with poor performance records may soon be blacklisted from engaging in future projects of the Cebu provincial government, as Governor Pamela Baricuatro’s administration is continuing its review of suspended infrastructure works.

Baricuatro confirmed that this plan is under serious consideration, after findings had revealed repeated delays, contract violations, and questionable project outcomes tied to a number of construction firms.

“We cannot allow them to do more work in the province with the kind of performance that they give, and this has to stop,” said the governor.

The province has been reviewing half of the 154 projects that have remained suspended since July, when Baricuatro ordered a sweeping audit of all works under the Provincial Engineering Office (PEO), raising the possibility of blacklisting some contractors.

Assistant Provincial Administrator Aldwin Empaces revealed that multiple stalled projects share the same pool of contractors, highlighting a pattern of recurring performance failures across different municipalities.

He has advised the governor that the Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) should evaluate records more closely and bar underperforming firms from participation in future bidding of projects.

Empaces explained that of the suspended projects, 77 have not yet been cleared for resumption, with some facing termination due to prolonged delays and non-compliance with bidding requirements.

“TThe reason of the suspension is ni-lapse na ilang project duration. The other is non-compliance with the bid requirements so, mao na atong gi-cancel,” said Empaces.

Empaces noted that contractors responsible for projects with significant slippage—some as high as 30 percent—were recommended for termination to prevent further waste of government funds.

“It takes so much money from the province unya sige’g dagan unya dagko na kaayo’g slippage 30 percent so i-terminate nalang siya,” he stressed.

Among the problematic initiatives are bulk water supply projects, several of which remain far from completion. Some are only 10 to 18 percent finished, raising questions about feasibility and proper planning.

Rebid set for Alegria Bulkwater

In Alegria, a P109.44-million bulk water system awarded to St. Gerard Construction and Development Corp. and SBK Construction Inc. has been cancelled entirely. The project encountered delays due to the lack of a proper site for its water treatment facility and reservoir.

Documents show that the joint venture was headed by lawyer Joe Kenneth Arbas, who admitted that the Alegria project’s main setback stemmed from unresolved site designations.

With this, Alegria’s contract will proceed to rebid. On the other hand, the Malabuyoc bulk water project—already 95 percent complete—will be continued until full completion. Only final connections remain to make the system operational.

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

The initial suspension order covered 154 projects—140 under the Construction Division and 14 under the Waterworks Division.

During the suspension period, contractors were instructed to secure their sites, backfill trenches, protect equipment, and prevent hazards until further notice. — /RAE (FREEMAN)