The provincial government is imposing stricter rules for local infrastructure projects in the province, requiring all interested contractors to seek accreditation with the Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP or provincial board), according to a new ordinance approved on December 10.

The accreditation process involves submission of pertinent documents to the SP, such as company profile, assets, and liabilities and income tax returns for the past three years.

The SP is also requiring a board resolution or its equivalent certifying to the availability of capital, manpower, and equipment to implement the project for the province. In case of sole proprietors, the SP has required an undertaking of availability of budget, manpower, and equipment.

It also wants contractors to file a duly notarized undertaking that they will not abandon the infrastructure project until it is completed as certified by the Provincial Engineering Office.

The SP also wants to make sure contractors do not have pending cases for violation of environmental and labor laws.

The SP also requires an endorsement from the Provincial Bids and Awards Committee.

The ordinance said after the PBAC endorses the application to the SP with complete documentary requirements, the SP will take action within 60 calendar days.

If granted, the accreditation will be effective for a year and renewable for one year, every year thereafter.

The ordinance has also ordered the PBAC to inform all existing and future firms who will participate in the public biddings of the province to seek accreditation with the SP.

The SP is recommending the suspension of a transaction with a firm without certification.

The SP will also consider blacklisting a firm or declaring it persona non-grata.

The ordinance was sponsored by Nemesio Beltran Jr., who earlier helped pass a resolution to impose similar rules on labor contractors. (Walter I. Balane / MindaNews)

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