Palace unfazed by bidding probe

Malacañang was unperturbed yesterday over the threat of opposition Sen. Panfilo Lacson to launch an investigation into the bid-rigging in a World Bank (WB)-funded road project by three Filipino companies that were allegedly aided by someone close to the Arroyo administration.

Presidential Adviser for Political Affairs Gabriel Claudio and Deputy Presidential Spokesman Anthony Golez in separate interviews said the Palace does not condone corruption and also wants corrupt officials penalized.

“We have no problem with a Senate investigation on the alleged rigging of WB projects bids, as long as it is not motivated by any political agenda and it does not disrupt the legislature’s focus and ability to pass vital measures badly needed by the country,” Claudio said.

“The government is just as anxious to determine culpabilities in alleged anomalies behind public works projects, whether locally or foreign-funded, and purge such undertakings of wasteful, manipulative and corrupt interventions,” he said.

He said Congress’ constructive help in strengthening safeguards in bidding and awarding procedures, particularly through legislation, is welcome.

Lacson vowed to conduct an inquiry into the alleged collusion by three Filipino contractors and four state-owned Chinese construction firms in the bidding for the $33-million National Roads Improvement and Management Program (NRIMP) 1. The WB has blacklisted the companies.

The WB last year informed the government of the possible irregularities in the bidding of the NRIMP 1 and last week announced sanctions against the firms.

Palace officials last week said it was also conducting a review leading to the possible blacklisting of the Filipino firms.

They added that Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez said her agency would come up with a recommendation next month on whether to pursue charges against the firms and government officials who may be involved in the alleged rigging.

Golez reiterated the WB probe was an internal investigation and was not an indictment on the Philippine government’s procedures.

Budget Secretary Rolando Andaya Jr. pointed out the WB, while suspending the NRIMP 1, has continued with the implementation of NRIMP 2, which is more expensive at over $200 million.

He also said the WB had already turned over to the Office of the Ombudsman the information gathered on the alleged collusion by the Filipino and Chinese firms.

Golez stressed that the WB has its own rules and policies on procurement and these do not necessarily mean that the country’s infrastructure projects are ridden with graft and corruption.

With the new allegation, administration critics would hound the government again, he said.  “All these seem to show our neighbors that we, Filipinos, are self-flagellating,” Golez said.

Golez was interviewed following ceremonies closing the Medical First Responder Refresher Course at the Panaad Park and Stadium in Bacolod City.

The event was initiated by the Amity Public Safety Academy in cooperation with the Provincial Disaster Management Team. – Paolo Romero, Antonieta Lopez