New bidding for ICC canceled

ILOILO CITY—The second phase of the controversial Iloilo Convention Center (ICC) has been delayed anew after officials canceled a new bidding to allow a review of its scope of work, according to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

Edilberto Tayao, public works regional director, said the agency’s central office would conduct the review after the failure of the first bidding for the P200-million second phase.

No bidder came forward to submit proposals that would meet the approved budget for the project.

Tayao said his office had recommended a revision of the scope of work of the second phase of the P747-million building, which involves mainly finishing works, installation of power and water lines, installation of glass fixtures and installation of two escalators and an elevator.

The first bidding failed after the company that submitted the lowest bid, WERR Corp. International, was disqualified when its record showed that it was involved in other DPWH projects that had been delayed.

Tayao said there was a lack of bidders for the second phase because of the contractors’ fear of being dragged into allegations of overpricing in the ICC project.

Despite the latest cancellation of bidding, Tayao said the

DPWH was confident the facility would be completed by May or June next year, before the meetings of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation in September and October, which Iloilo would host with other cities.

The project became controversial after Manuel Mejorada, former Iloilo provincial administrator, claimed it was overpriced.

At a Senate hearing, however, Mejorada admitted that the basis for his allegations were pieces of information he got from Wikipedia and “whispers” from architect friends.

The DPWH might hold the new bidding for the second phase in January.