‘Kickbacks on Haiyan bunkhouses at 30%’

Since December 13, rehabilitation czar Ping Lacson said he has been “quietly investigating” reports that a local politician is colluding with contractors to get commissions of 30 to 35% from the bunkhouses being built for victims of Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan). Public Works Secretary Rogelio Singson denied the reports, saying the government has not yet paid any contractor. Singson also promised to resign if the allegations of overpricing are proven true. In a report, the Philippine Daily Inquirer said a 24-room bunkhouse is being constructed at a cost below P200,000, although it was priced at more than P900,000. The report also cited the Camp Coordination and Camp Management as saying the bunkhouses are noncompliant with international standards. But Singson said the quality of the bunkhouse and the allegations of overpricing should be differentiated. The Department of Public Works and Highways aims to build 222 bunkhouses. 126 have already been built. The government’s rehabilitation blueprint for Yolanda-hit areas allocates P360.9 billion in a span of 4 years.

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