Overpriced again?

It’s barely a week into 2014 and already the Aquino administration which prides itself on its campaign against corruption is faced with a new controversy about alleged overpricing and substandard construction of shelters for supertyphoon Yolanda victims.

The Inquirer report detailed many specifications set by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) that were not complied with by the builders. This has raised fears that the same entrenched system of contractors that were operated by controversial businesswoman Janet Lim-Napoles is again cornering the market of projects.

According to a Camp Coordination and Camp Management (CCCM) group report, the materials were overpriced and substandard and the shelters didn’t have basic amenities like toilets and kitchens.

The report’s disclosure came amid visits by Norwegian and Algerian officials who donated rice and material aid to the typhoon victims and an appeal by United Nations (UN) Secretary General Ban Ki-moon to the international community of nations to continue contributing to the rehabilitation and rebuilding efforts.

A report sent to the rehabilitation chief Panfilo Lacson detailed these deficiencies.

Pubic Works Secretary Rogelio Singson, who has struggled hard to keep infrastructure projects above board under his watch, faces a nasty charge.

He’s offered his head on a platter if reports of the anomaly are true.

“It is not overpriced. If it’s overpriced, I will submit the following day my resignation to President Aquino,” said Singson, at the Malacañang press briefing.

He expressed doubt about the alleged kickback of 30 to 35 percent, noting that many of the contractors got on board as “part of their humanitarian efforts.”

“I don’t know where that report came from,” he said.

An investigation will have to clear up the doubt fast because at stake is not just loss of government funds, but the good will and trust of generous donors among Filipinos and the international community which gave donations unstintingly after the October earthquake and November’s typhoon Yolanda.

How were funds really spent?

The first six months of rebuilding will be crucial in addressing the immediate needs of the victims.

The first six months will also establish whether the Aquino administration lived up to its promise of being a good steward of millions of pesos in donations and the trust of constituents and the world that has not been remiss in helping calamity survivors.