PAF blacklists Pag-asa airstrip contractor

The Philippine Air Force (PAF) has blacklisted a contractor for its failure to carry out the P31-million upgrading of the military airstrip on Pag-asa Island in Palawan.

PAF chief Lt. Gen. Pedrito Cadungog said the All Transport Network Inc. (ATNI) failed to haul construction materials and equipment to Pag-asa Island, resulting in the delay in the rehabilitation of the Rancudo airfield.

“The command has refrained from dealing with the ATNI,” said Cadungog in a statement, adding that the firm has also been banned from joining any bidding of the Armed Forces of the Philippines until June 2009.

Maj. Gerry Zamudio said the ATNI reneged on its contract to the detriment of the PAF and other military personnel stationed on Pag-Asa Island.

Zamudio said the sanction was forwarded to ATNI chief executive officer Mary Lou Estrada.

As stipulated in the contract, the rehabilitation of the Rancudo airfield should be completed within 80 days after a notice to proceed was received by ATNI on Dec. 3 last year.

Instead of carrying out the job, ATNI sought to increase the contract cost while asking for an extension of the 80-day project. – Jaime Laude