THE Armed Forces yesterday said scores of projects under its modernization program have been delayed due to unforeseeable circumstances, adding that some contractors have been penalized and some contracts canceled.
“This was the result of unforeseeable circumstances, issues with licenses, clearances and site possessions, and some due to constraints by the manufacturers or contractors themselves,” AFP public affairs chief Capt. Jonathan Zata said.
The Commission on Audit, in its 2020 annual report, said 41 AFP modernization projects worth P6.8 billion were not completed within the contract period, adding 24 projects remained unfinished as of December 2020.
Zata said the number of unfinished projects currently stands at 22 because two of the 24 reported by COA were completed from December 2000 up to present.
He said the military establishment is taking steps to “expedite the implementation of these delayed projects.
“We have already noted important lessons so that it won’t happen (again) in the future,” Zata said.
He assured the public that the AFP is following provisions of Republic Act 9184 or the Government Procurement Act in “managing” the delayed modernization projects.
“Appropriate liquidated damages have been imposed, performance bonds confiscated, and even contracts terminated. These were all based and being complied to ensure that AFP is compliant with the said procurement law,” said Zata
