File photo of the Cebu City Medical Center {CCMC} project. | CDN Digital
Auditors said this was contrary to Department of Public Works and Highways Department Order No. 197, series of 2016 in relation to the Manual of Procedures for the Procurement of Infrastructure Projects as it also placed the government in a “disadvantageous position.” During the issuance of the audit report on June 22, 2023, COA said that they were still waiting for the written reply from the city government. But during the exit conference that was held earlier, city officials who were present, have signified their willingness to observe the audit observations mentioned in the report.On April 6, 2022, the city government entered into contract with the joint venture of M.E. Sicat Construction and AVECS Corporation for the CCMC construction project worth P907.
COA said that mobilization and demobilization, provision of service vehicles, permits and clearances, civil works, establishment of a field laboratory office and living quarters, furnishing of furniture, laboratory equipment, assistance to engineers, photographs, health and safety, traffic management, environmental compliance, and communication equipment, among others, should not have been subjected to OCM.