MMDA: COA-flagged project affected by pandemic, election ban

“The projects underwent a tedious process and discussion with the World Bank before they were approved and implemented,” Artes said. (Photo: Official MMDA @MMDA/Twitter)

MANILA – The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) on Tuesday clarified that the delay in the first phase of the Metro Manila Flood Management Project (MMFMP) was due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the previous election ban and other factors.

The Commission on Audit flagged 33 projects under the MMFMP for delays in implementation.

In a statement, MMDA acting chair Don Artes said the projects being questioned were from 2018 to 2022 — the period when the Covid-19 pandemic hit the country while others were affected by the election ban.

He said the MMFMP Phase 1, funded by the World Bank and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, has a different procurement process as a foreign-assisted project.

“The projects underwent a tedious process and discussion with the World Bank before they were approved and implemented,” Artes said.

He noted that the World Bank reviews the MMDA’s bidding process.

“Sometimes, they recommend continuation of the project rejected by our agency which in turn results in contract cost and duration revision,” he said.

He noted that the site relocation or project re-design was also approved by the World Bank.

“It is the World Bank that recommends and decides whether a contract shall be extended and coverage widened,” he said.

He assured that the MMFMP Project Management Office is monitoring all deliverables to ensure their implementation within the given timeframe.

Of the 47 projects mentioned in the COA report, he said 27 projects have been completed, 12 are ongoing and will be completed this year, three are ongoing procurement, and five have been abandoned as they are no longer necessary or relevant.

He added that the World Bank has also given the MMDA a “satisfactory rating” for the MMFMP and recommended its extension for two more years.

Unregistered vehicles for disposal

On the other hand, Artes said the 71 vehicles flagged by COA as unregistered in its 2022 report are all off the road as they are beyond repair.

He added that vehicles without registration from the Land Transportation Office (LTO) are for disposal as junk.

“The disposal process is long and we are currently disassembling its parts so we can use it for our serviceable vehicles,” he said.

He noted that the LTO holds a caravan at the MMDA every quarter to ensure the timely registration of its vehicles.

Artes said the 216 vehicles that the COA revealed to be beyond its useful lifespan of seven years for government service vehicles are still functional and are maintained properly.

These vehicles are still functional, maintained properly, and are in use, he said.