COA flags non-working cameras in Cebu's P7.1M CCTV project

The core issue identified by COA is the acceptance of an incomplete and defective CCTV project. By accepting the project on November 5, 2025, despite its condition, the municipal government may have waived its right to enforce warranty provisions, potentially shifting the financial burden of repairs to public funds. This challenges the standard practice where contractors are typically obligated to correct defects at their own expense during a warranty period.

Further complicating the matter are significant inconsistencies in the project's reported completion timeline. COA found it "highly doubtful" that the remaining 13.12 percent of work could have been completed in 48 hours, especially over special non-working holidays in November 2024. This contrasts with approved extensions that set the completion deadline for February 2025, and internal reports suggesting actual completion only in February 2025.

These discrepancies not only raise questions about the accuracy of reporting but also impact the Defects Liability Period. If the project was indeed completed in February 2025, the one-year liability period should have extended until February 2026, offering more recourse for the municipality. The early acceptance date appears to have shortened this crucial period, potentially limiting accountability for the non-functional cameras.

The municipal engineer's office stated it relied on the contractor's submitted accomplishment reports, evaluated in good faith. However, COA's findings suggest that a more rigorous verification process might have been necessary before final acceptance and payment, especially given the observed defects and timeline inconsistencies.