P15 million medical supplies, devices up for bidding

CEBU, Philippines — Cebu City has opened bidding for medical supplies and devices worth nearly P15 million amid concerns about procurement delays.

The invitation to bid was posted on the city’s official website on October 12, 2026, under the new chair of the Bids and Awards Committee (BAC), Atty. Briccio Joseph C. Boholst.

The procurement, listed under PR No. 26-09-01400, covers medical supplies and devices to ensure the continuous operation of health centers and laboratories.

The approved budget for the contract is P14,999,989.50, with bid documents available until November 3.

A pre-bid conference is set for October 20, while submission and opening of bids will take place on November 3 at 9 a.m.

Councilor David Tumulak earlier pressed the City Health Department to explain persistent delays in the procurement of medicines and supplies.

He stressed the urgency of addressing the delays.

“Such delays may affect the timely delivery of essential health services and assistance to the constituents of Cebu City, as well as the efficient implementation of the programs and responsibilities of the Cebu City Health Department,” Tumulak stated in a resolution.

He also called for a procurement timeline or tracker, saying this would give the council “relevant information on the status and progress of the various procurement activities, from the initiation of the procurement process up to the delivery and availability of the procured items.”

The measure directed the CHD to explain the factors contributing to the delays and furnish updates to the council.

Meanwhile, the Cebu City Medical Center has its own procurement underway for hazardous hospital waste management services, with an approved budget of P4.1 million.

The bid invitation was issued under Boholst’s leadership after Engr. Albert Tan resigned on October 5, 2026.

Tan stepped down amid questions raised over the BAC’s handling of procurement processes, including complaints of selective release of bidding documents.

Mayor Nestor Archival accepted Tan’s resignation and designated Boholst, who had previously served as acting city administrator and city attorney, to take over.