Makati City Hall Building 2 used P4.1 million worth of window blinds

Published September 3, 2014 10:02pm

The Makati City government spent P4.1 million for roll-up blinds used in the controversial P2.7-billion Makati City Hall Building 2, documents obtained by GMA News showed.

According to Ivan Mayrina's report on "24 Oras," the amount translated to almost P364 per square foot of blinds.

Interior design practitioner Anna Cagaoan said the price of the blinds was unusual for an office building. Blinds, she said, were cheaper for offices than for homes.

"For square foot, mga P170 to P200, that's the average they use for offices. 'Pag mga bahay, mas mahal, mga P300, P400 pero bihira na 'yun," Cagaoan explained.

General services division chief Jerry San Gabriel of the Makati City Hall defended the price and quality of the blinds, insisting that expenses went through all the required paperwork and procedure.

"Dumaan naman ho 'yan sa regular procurement process... Binidding namin 'yan so industry standards. Magandang klase, roller blinds," said Gabriel.

The report said P11.2 million was allocated in 2012 for the blinds. More than P52 million were allocated for furniture and fixtures.

Documents showed that more than P40 million was spent for furniture and fixtures, the report added.

The Commission on Audit (COA) will conduct a special audit on the allegedly overpriced building. A new team of auditors and non-COA experts would be tapped to survey the building.

COA Commissioner Grace Pulido-Tan told the media that the team will be formed next week, and will keep all investigations "under wraps".

Vice President Jejomar Binay has insisted that the accusations of overpricing were political in nature.

“Sabagay tinanggap naman nung isang senador na kaya ito iniimbestigahan nila ay dahil ako ay kakandidato para presidente. Wow! Kitang-kita mo naman talaga ang political motive nito,” he said. —Rie Takumi/NB, GMA News

Tags: makaticityhallbuilding2