Makati gov't denies overpricing over Makati Science HS building

MANILA, Philippines - The Makati City government on Friday denied the allegation of former Makati barangay chair Renato Bondal that the construction of the city-funded Makati Science High School building was also overpriced.

Bondal - who earlier filed a complaint of plunder against Vice President Jejomar Binay, his son Makati Mayor Jejomar Erwin Binay and other former city officials in connection with alleged anomalies in the construction of the Makati City Hall Building II – told the Senate Blue Ribbon Sub-Committee on Thursday that the bidding for the Makati Science High School building had bloated the project cost by some P862 million.

Bondal said that at the cost of P1.5 billion, the 10-story Makati Science High School could be considered the most expensive school building in the country. He argued that the city government has spent a total of P1.333 billion for the project so far.

Makati spokesman Joey Salgado said Bondal is using “flawed and fuzzy math” in alleging that the construction cost of the high school building was bloated.

“He conveniently overlooks the fact that the total construction cost includes the cost of the school's foundation, finishing, and facilities. If we go by his fuzzy math, then all public school buildings are overpriced,” said Salgado.

“Remember this is the same person who has perjured himself before the Senate. Mr. Bondal claimed that the birthday cakes given by Makati to senior citizens were overpriced at P1,000, only to admit later that the amount was just a guess," Salgado added.

Salgado said all city projects have complied with the process required by law and underwent audit by the Commission on Audit (COA). He also challenged Bondal and the Senate to file cases against Mayor Binay and other officials over the alleged anomalous construction of the Makati Science High School building.

“Both (City Hall) Building II and Makati Science have passed COA review. If Mr. Bondal and the Senate are confident in their latest allegations, then they should file a case before the courts,” said Salgado.

Based on documents in his possession, Bondal claimed that the average cost per square meter of the science high school building was at P72,500 and that the cost per classroom was P24.6 million.

Former Makati City General Services Department head Mario Hechanova, who previously served as the vice chairman of the city government’s Bids and Awards Committee, also told the subcommittee that the bidding for the Makati Science High School project was also rigged in favor of Hilmarc’s Construction Corp.

Meanwhile, Salgado appealed to Hechanova to stop dragging the name of the late city engineer Nelson Morales into the controversy.

“We appeal to Mr. Mario Hechanova to stop using the name of a dead person in making false testimonies before the Senate. The family and relatives of former City Engineer Nelson Morales are still grieving from his tragic death and Mr. Hechanova should spare them the agony of hearing the name of their lost kin being besmirched,” he said.