Vico Sotto apologizes over P40M in delayed Pasig projects

City to terminate, blacklist contractor behind three unfinished projects.

Vico Sotto apologizes over delayed Pasig projects, moves to terminate, blacklist contractor

Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto has apologized to residents affected by delayed infrastructure projects in Buting, Pinagbuhatan and Maybunga, saying the city government has issued notices to terminate the contracts of EAH Builders and intends to blacklist the contractor.

In a social media post, Sotto described the delays as “unacceptable” and said he feels embarrassed whenever he passes the unfinished projects.

“Ako po ay humihingi ng paumanhin sa mga napeperwisyo dahil sa mga delay ng iilang proyekto sa Buting, Pinagbuhatan, at Maybunga,” Sotto said.

According to figures released by the mayor, the three contracts have a combined value of about ₱40.23 million, while assessed liquidated damages have reached approximately ₱6.56 million.

Buting project only 49% complete

The largest of the three is the ₱16.7-million reinforced concrete box culvert drainage system and sidewalk project along San Guillermo and F. Flores streets in Barangay Buting.

The notice to proceed was issued on Feb. 5, 2025, with completion originally targeted for Oct. 22, 2025.

Sotto said the project is only 49% complete despite notices of delay and requests from the contractor for additional extensions. Pasig has assessed ₱2.68 million in liquidated damages, which the mayor said would be deducted from payments for accomplished work.

Pinagbuhatan roads and drainage at 46%

EAH Builders is also handling the ₱10.02-million interior roads and drainage project in Ilugin and Sandoval, Barangay Pinagbuhatan.

Its notice to proceed was issued on Feb. 14, 2025, with a target completion date of Sept. 12, 2025.

The project is only 46% complete, according to Sotto, with the city assessing ₱1.94 million in liquidated damages.

The third project covers road reblocking and drainage from the Pasig City General Hospital compound to Eusebio Avenue in Barangay Maybunga.

Worth ₱13.52 million, the project had the same Feb. 14, 2025 notice to proceed and Sept. 12, 2025 target completion date. Sotto said work inside the hospital compound has been finished, but the remaining portion outside has yet to be completed. Overall accomplishment stands at 80%.

The city has assessed another ₱1.95 million in liquidated damages.

City moves to terminate contracts

Sotto said notices to terminate have already been sent to EAH Builders. Once termination is completed, the unfinished portions will be awarded to another contractor in accordance with government procurement rules.

Government procurement rules provide procedures for blacklisting contractors, including notice and due process. A final blacklisting order can disqualify an erring contractor from participating in government procurement for the applicable period.

The mayor said the episode also highlighted the need for Pasig to strengthen project monitoring, arguing that procurement reform cannot stop at opening up bidding and bringing project costs down.

“We will work to eliminate the ‘bad eggs,’ whether they are inside the LGU or contractors,” Sotto said.

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