THE PASIG City government can now expedite the distribution of the free tablets for the city’s public school students who will be taking online classes following a successful pre-bidding conference.

Good news! Wala nang nagprotesta sa bidding natin para sa tablets ng mga mag-aaral ng pampublikong paaralan ng Pasig!” Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto said in a Facebook post.

“I hope this is because they saw that we went through the process transparently and strictly in accordance with procurement laws,” the mayor added.

It can be recalled that the technical working group twice denied the motion for reconsideration of the lowest bidder, RedDot Imaging Philippines, which caused delay in the awarding of the billion-peso project of the city.

If RedDot continues to file a protest and in the event it lodges a complaint in court, the project would be further delayed and the students could no longer use the gadgets in time for the opening of classes on October 5.

It was learned that the Bids and Awards Committee will summon the second lowest bidder soon so the technical working group could check the submitted bid based on the requirements set by the local government unit.

If the company can meet the request for the project, this will be immediately awarded to the second lowest bidder. The LGU plans to distribute the gadgets before classes begin.

The LGU assured the public the winning bidder has a good track record when it comes to the delivery of products, which are cheaper but of good quality.

Sotto also lauded the BAC, bidding secretariat and TWG for ensuring the success of the bidding procedure.

“Hindi biro ang kontratang P1.3 billion. Ayon sa kanila, ito ang pinakamadugong pre-bid conference na nangyari sa amin mula last year,” Sotto said.

There are no face-to-face classes due to the Covid19 pandemic. Distance learning modality is implemented this school year.

The opening of classes was moved from August 24 to October 5 for the school year 2020-2021.