By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos
MANILA – Malacañang on Thursday warned of possible legal action against the Discaya-owned Great Pacific Builders and General Contractor Inc. over the sloppy construction of the Philippine Film Heritage Building (PFHB) in Intramuros, Manila.
Poor structural design and substandard work were exposed after Palace Press Officer Claire Castro inspected the PFHB.
“Kung mapapakita talaga natin, eto makikita naman natin, kung bakit nagka-ganito, kung wala silang valid reason, kung bakit hindi nila ito nai-turn over ng tama at naaayon sa kontrata, pwede silang makasuhan, unang-una, civil liability, meron ito (If we can clearly show why this happened, and they have no valid reason for failing to turn it over properly and in accordance with the contract, they could face charges, starting with civil liability),” Castro said after the site inspection.
On Sept. 25, 2023, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH)-South Manila District Engineering Office awarded the Phase 1 construction contract of the PFHB project, with a total cost of PHP143,226,945.
The contract amount for the second phase of the project was PHP107,983,128, slightly lower than the original amount of PHP107,983,255.
Funding for the construction of the film center was included in the DPWH’s National Building Program under the 2023 General Appropriations Act as a “Congress-introduced change or adjustment.”
The second phase of the project is targeted for completion on Sept. 4, 2025. Phase 2 covers the installation of the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system, elevator, generator set, network and data infrastructure, finishing works, painting, fire alarm system, and CCTV system.
Castro said the scheduled turnover of the PFHB on Thursday failed to materialize due to unfinished construction work.
“Nakakadismaya. At ang building na ito, ang contractor nito ay ang (It is disappointing. And the contractor of this building is the) Great Pacific Builders and General Contractor Inc. Isa ito sa mga korporasyon ng mga Discaya (It is one of the corporations of the Discayas),” she said.
She pointed to several issues, such as water leakage, faulty elevator doors, and poorly designed downspout drainage.
The site inspection also revealed that the cinematheque, an archive of films and film-related objects with an exhibition venue, remained unfinished.
“Alam niyo naman, ang First Lady, ang puso niya, ang adbokasiya niya, para mapalago pa ang mga pelikulang Pilipino gawa ng mga Pilipino (As you know, the First Lady is deeply committed to the growth and promotion of Filipino films created by Filipino artists),” she said.
“Mismong gobyerno pa talaga, ito pang mismong proyekto na ito ang parang niloko pa ng mga Discaya (The government, through this very project, seems to have been cheated by the Discayas),” Castro added.
The Great Pacific Builders and General Contractor Inc. is one of the nine companies owned or controlled by controversial contractor couple Cezarah “Sarah” Rowena and Pacifico “Curlee” Discaya.
The Philippine Contractors Accreditation Board has revoked the licenses of all the Discaya-owned companies following their alleged involvement in questionable government projects, including the construction of flood control structures. (PNA)
