The Department of Transportation (DOTr) on Tuesday has vowed to impose stricter sanctions against erring private contractors to ensure on-time completion of government projects.
According to DOTr Secretary Arthur Tugade, a memorandum has been issued stating that a failure to meet a deadline after more than 30 days would result in non-payment, cancellation of contract, blacklisting of the erring contractor, and the hiring of another contractor to finish the project.
This was in addition to the grounds provided by Republic Act No. 9184 or the Government Procurement Act, the DOTr chief explained.
“Kung hindi niyo kayang gawin ng maayos at hindi kayo sumusunod sa timeline, ‘wag na kayong kumontrata sa gobyerno,” Tugade said in a statement.
“Iyong mga tinatamaan diyan ayus-ayusin niyo na ang pagtatrabaho, dahil hindi kami magda-dalawang isip na tanggalin kayo dyan. Hindi namin sasayangin ang pera ng taumbayan sa mga gaya ninyo,” he stressed.
According to Tugade, the memorandum was issued on the directive of President Rodrigo Duterte after he observed delays in government projects brought about by “lack of personnel.”
Tugade added that irresponsible contractors would no longer be allowed to take part in government projects, as it will not only result in delays but would also inflict more suffering on the people who are anxiously waiting for improvements.
“The order shall immediately take effect and will be cascaded to contractors who are presently engaged with government projects,” Tugade said. /muf