• CHERYL G. CRUZ
The Sangguniang Panlungsod has asked Mayor Greg Gasataya to defer paying the IPM Construction and Development Corp. amid delays in collecting and disposing of garbage, and deficiencies and inconsistencies in complying with its obligations per the service contract, that will end this Dec. 31.
The SP approved the resolution of Councilor Dindo Ramos, noting the need to “investigate and determine whether IPM has incurred liabilities arising from liquidated damages, unperformed services, or undelivered contractual commitments” per the terms and conditions of the contract and applicable laws.
“The city has the responsibility to ensure that public funds are disbursed only upon verification that services paid for have been fully rendered, in accordance with the contract between the City and IPM,” Ramos stressed.
The garbage collection contract, which started in February, states that the city government will pay IPM under a weight-based cleanup system in the amount of P303,272,000. “Monthly payment to the contractor shall be based on the actual tonnage collected per month but total payment for the entire (contract period) must not exceed the maximum collection of 133,600 tons.”
The SP, however, took note of complaints of delayed or non-collection of garbage across Bacolod, and noncompliance of several contract provisions. “It is prudent to safeguard the financial interest of the City by ensuring that any potential non-performance and liabilities of the service provider are fully assessed before further payments are released.” | CGC
