Dispute Over Great Pacific Builders’ Contract for Philippine Film Heritage
MANILA — The ongoing construction of the Philippine Film Heritage building has become a subject of controversy, as conflicting statements emerged regarding the involvement of Great Pacific Builders and General Contractor, Inc. Sources close to the Discayas’ legal team denied that their firm was handling the current phase of the project. However, Malacañang Palace insists that the construction remains under the Great Pacific Builders’ contract.
“As early as phase 1, the Cinematic Room was turned over by the Great Pacific Builders to the implementing agency,” said Atty. Cornelio Samaniego III, the legal counsel for the Discayas, in an interview. He added, “When the management of the Philippine Film Heritage Building saw it, their chairman, they revised the specs of the Cinematic Room… So, they got another contractor.”
New Contractor and Contract Timeline
When asked about the new contractor, Samaniego named “Theater Box Solutions and Services Corporation” as the firm now responsible for certain aspects of the project. He also clarified that Great Pacific Builders’ contract concluded in December 2024.
Contrary to this claim, Malacañang released a statement on Saturday affirming that the contract with Great Pacific Builders started on January 2, 2025. The Palace cited Contract ID No. 230H0119, which carries a total contract price of ₱107,983,255.11 and an original expiration date of September 4, 2025.
Palace Calls for Careful Review of Contracts
Malacañang urged the Discayas to thoroughly review all agreements made between Great Pacific Builders and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH). “They might have forgotten their commitments considering the numerous projects that they got from the government. Wrong information given to the media may cause confusion to the people,” the Palace warned.
Public Scrutiny and Political Reactions
First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos visited the Philippine Film Heritage building last Friday. She described the site as a “rotten monument of incompetence,” reflecting growing public dissatisfaction with the project’s management.
The Discayas have been under intense congressional scrutiny amid a government crackdown on alleged irregularities in flood control projects. This initiative followed President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s State of the Nation Address in July, highlighting the urgency after severe flooding caused by the southwest monsoon and multiple tropical cyclones.
Looking Ahead
As the debate over the Great Pacific Builders’ contract continues, stakeholders emphasize the importance of transparency and adherence to contractual obligations. Community members and officials alike call for clear communication to avoid further confusion among the public.
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