LRTA says it has blacklisted firms after failing to meet deadlines

Following the recommendation of the Commission on Audit (COA), the Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA) on Tuesday disclosed it has blacklisted seven erring contractors involved in the major rehabilitation projects of LRT-2.

LRTA administrator Jeremy Regino said he immediately ordered a review of the existing contracts for the concerned projects upon assuming office on January 6, 2022, which resulted in the termination of contracts and blacklisting of several firms.

In its 2021 financial report, state auditors recommended the LRTA to blacklist contractors that failed to deliver awarded projects at the given deadline amid the delays in the completion of some of its programs.

COA said  59% or 13 out of the 22 Line 2 Rehabilitation Projects worth P984.56 million are already delayed from 77 to 1,065 days from their supposed target completion date.

This already constituted a violation of the “Government Procurement Policy Board”, the agency said, stressing the setback has deprived the public of the “intended benefits that may be derived therefrom”.

For its part, the LRTA said it is considering the termination of other projects that are still undergoing reviews and evaluation.

The train management also assured it had filed appropriate administrative and criminal complaints against LRTA officials involved in the delayed projects.

“The LRTA assures that the best interest and safety of the riding public are of paramount importance and will continue to comply with good governance practices in the implementation of its programs and projects,” it said.—LDF, GMA News