OPINION: Panama’s Underbidding, Overcharging Carousel

Hiring with the State is the regular course of many companies, some with a good compliance history, and others, with a truly questionable track record. The new government of President Cortizo has had to face projects from previous administrations, which in one case have needed, for now, six addenda to see if they comply. We are attending a carnival of addenda in which both the delivery time and the price of the works have had to be changed.

In other words, the bidding by these companies in terms of prices and delivery of the work has been breached. Flexibility over addenda represents a reason why public procurement legislation should be reformed. How is it possible for a company to win a tender, usually with the best price, Then negotiate cost overruns? This puts other bidders who offered real prices and timely compliance schedules at a disadvantage. The prevalence of live play means that not only the patrimony of the State is squandered, but also that human lives are affected by the lack of hospitals, or by road networks in poor conditions. Until when will this ordeal last? – LA PRENSA. Oct 2