Question & AnswerQ&A (Republic Act No. 1900)
The total appropriation from the General Fund authorized under Republic Act No. 1900 is P85,070,400.00.
Within forty-five days before every general election, no laborer shall be employed or money spent on any public works project except for ordinary maintenance work with no increase in laborers, work under contract from bidding held before the period, payment for preparatory work and materials, and emergency work due to calamities limited to restoration.
Yes, civic organizations may undertake projects costing not more than fifteen thousand pesos through negotiated contracts if the project does not require complicated methods. They must apply to the District Engineer, who may award the project based on the lowest quotation in a sealed bidding if multiple organizations apply.
No surcharge of any kind shall be imposed upon the appropriations in this Act or previous Public Works Acts, except the Secretary of Public Works and Communications can use some funds to supplement administrative requirements within limits.
Rental of equipment is not deducted at the time of fund release but paid by the Highway District Engineer based on actual use. No rental fee shall be charged for equipment used on projects undertaken by administration.
They must prepare a program of work including total costs, anticipated duration in men-days, contingencies not exceeding 10%, and profit estimates up to 15% if under contract. Approval from the Bureau head or their representative is required before starting work on projects over ten thousand pesos.
Yes, appropriations for construction projects include funds for acquisition or purchase of sites necessary for project prosecution and completion.
Funds cannot be used to pay previously incurred obligations, purchase office equipment, supplies, or vehicles, or pay salaries except for employees directly engaged in the work with rates not exceeding those in the General Appropriation Act.
Contracts must include provisions for contractor to have a labor fund to pay laborers every payday within three days after the pay period, with government payment if contractor fails and possible contract rescission with surcharge deduction.
Violations are punishable by imprisonment from two to six years and a fine from five hundred to five thousand pesos. Public officers involved face dismissal from service with prejudice and loss of retirement benefits.