DPWH defends budget increase for convention center

ILOILO CITY—The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has defended an increase in the approved budget for the second phase of the controversial Iloilo Convention Center (ICC), which is already facing allegations of overpricing.

Edilberto Tayao, DPWH Western Visayas director, said the scope of work had been adjusted upon a review of the agency’s central office and several items had been increased.

The approved budget for the contract (ABC) has been set at P188.684 million, higher by P1.082 million than the previous ABC of P187.602 million.

Tayao said that among the added items was an elevator, which would bring the total number to three from two in the previous scope of work.

The second phase of the construction would involve mainly finishing works including power, water, electricity and glass fixtures. This would also include the installation of two escalators and three elevators, according to Tayao.

The agency reviewed the scope of work after the failure of the public bidding on October 20.

The bidding failed after the winning bidder was disqualified for the delays in accomplishment in the implementation of other DPWH projects.

A second bidding under the new ABC and scope of work has been set for January 13 next year with a prebid conference scheduled for December 29.

Former Iloilo provincial administrator Manuel Mejorada, who has filed a plunder complaint against Senate President Franklin Drilon and other officials for alleged graft in the ICC project, has questioned the schedule of the prequalification conference and bidding.

He said that “with many nonworking holidays, interested bidders will have less opportunity to buy the bid forms and plans and specifications for the project to be able to submit responsive proposals for the project.”

But Tayao said bidding guidelines prescribed that a prebidding conference be held at least 12 days before the opening of bids.

He said the project was also being rushed in time for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) meetings in September next year.

Tayao said that if the second bidding is successful, the agency is targeting the awarding of the contract by early February at the latest. The project will be completed in 150 days or by June next year.

The P747-million ICC, a pet project of Drilon, is located at a 1.7-hectare lot donated by giant real estate developer Megaworld Corporation at Iloilo Business Park in Mandurriao District.

The ICC is designed to be a state-of-the-art convention center with a 3,700-seater main convention hall at the ground floor and function rooms in the second floor that can accommodate 560 people. The second floor will also house a VIP room and a museum/souvenir shop.

The Iloilo City government has put in place contingency measures in the event the ICC is not completed in time for the Apec meetings.

Junel Divinagracia, head of the city’s Apec organizing committee, said the city could still host the ministerial meetings next year with or without the ICC because there are hotels with function rooms that could accommodate the meetings and participants.

Divinagracia said that among those eyed as alternative venues are the Sarabia Manor Hotel, Diversion 21 Hotel and Royal Garden Hall Convention Center.

But Divinagracia said the DPWH had also assured the city government of the completion of the ICC before the meetings.