Heated discussions ensued during the regular session of the Sangguniang Panlungsod Thursday, on whether or not the Dumaguete government will purchase heavy equipment from a specific country.

The City Council approved Councilor Manuel Sagarbarria’s proposal to purchase a P2.5-million wheel payloader, and gave members of the bids and awards committee composed of technical members from the City Engineers Office, the discretion to choose the equipment.

Councilor Rotelio Lumjod, who belongs to the minority bloc, voted against the proposal, insisting that the equipment should be Japan-made to protect the interest of the city.

Councilor Alan Cordova, however, said the number one in the list of heavy equipment may not be the best, as the next brand may prove otherwise.

Sagarbarria said that the equipment to be purchased is a reconditioned surplus payloader, as the brand new unit is estimated to cost about P8 million.

If the council accedes to the suggestion of Lumjod, their action would set a precedent, he added.

The acquisition of a China-made heavy equipment during the term of former mayor Felipe Antonio Remollo was laden with controversy, because the item was “not totally brand new.” 

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