Title
Gov't infra contract rules and policies
Law
Presidential Decree No. 1594
Decision Date
Jun 11, 1978
Presidential Decree No. 1594 establishes guidelines and procedures for efficient and transparent implementation of government infrastructure projects in the Philippines, covering aspects such as detailed engineering, prequalification of contractors, bidding procedures, subcontracting, price adjustments, inspection, and the government's right to take over work.
A

Requirement for Detailed Engineering Prior To Bidding

  • Detailed engineering investigations, surveys, and designs must be completed according to established standards
  • Detailed engineering documents require approval from appropriate Minister (Public Works, Public Highways, or Energy)
  • Purpose is to avoid quantity and cost overruns, change orders, and extra work orders

Prequalification of Prospective Contractors

  • Must be licensed under Republic Act No. 4566 and comply with tax and legal requirements
  • Compliance with Administrative Order No. 66 and other applicable laws
  • Technical requirements: competence and experience of contractor and key personnel, availability of equipment
  • Financial capability: meet net worth and liquid assets requirements or cover deficiency via a bank line of credit
  • Government promotes maximum Filipino contractor participation

Competitive Bidding as the General Rule

  • Government contracts generally awarded through competitive public bidding
  • Exceptions for administration, force account, or negotiated contracts only with valid justification and high-level approvals
  • Bidders must post a bid bond guaranteeing contract award compliance, including performance bond

Award and Contract Execution

  • Contract awarded to lowest prequalified bidder who complies with all bid terms
  • Contractor must post a performance bond prior to award
  • Approval of contract and award by concerned Minister

Restrictions on Assignment and Subcontracting

  • No assignment, transfer, pledge, or subcontracting without prior Ministerial approval
  • Subcontracting does not relieve main contractor of obligations nor establishes direct contract with government for subcontractor

Contractor's Responsibilities

  • Full liability for contract work until final government acceptance
  • Responsible for damage except force majeure
  • Responsible for safety and security of personnel, third parties, works, equipment during construction

Adjustment of Contract Price

  • Allowed upon recommendation of National Economic and Development Authority
  • Adjustments only when labor, equipment, material costs change due to government acts
  • Adjustments calculated via approved formulas as per implementing rules

Change Orders and Extra Work Orders

  • Allowed only for works necessary to complete project within general contract scope
  • Subject to approval of the appropriate Minister

Inspection and Quality Control

  • Government inspects contract work during construction
  • Contractor remains responsible for acceptability of finished work
  • Contractor must promptly replace defective materials or correct noncompliant work

Government's Right to Take Over Contract Work

  • Can take over if contractor abandons work, delays unduly, is insolvent or bankrupt, assigns assets improperly, or breaches contract
  • Termination of contractor and takeover occurs after notice to contractor and sureties

Promulgation of Implementing Rules and Regulations

  • Ministers of Public Works, Public Highways, and Energy, plus NEDA Director-General to issue rules
  • Implementing rules apply to all government agencies and government-owned or controlled corporations
  • Require Presidential approval

Separability Clause

  • If any provision is declared unconstitutional, other provisions remain in force

Repealing Clause

  • All conflicting laws and issuances are repealed or modified accordingly

Effectivity

  • Decree takes effect immediately upon issuance

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