ILOILO City – City government officials have pushed back against questions over the P3.5-million price tag of Iloilo City’s new mini sweeper truck, saying cheaper units advertised online are not comparable to the equipment purchased by the government and that the acquisition underwent competitive bidding.
City Legal Officer and Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) chairman Atty. Joseph Edward Areño said the procurement was publicly posted on the Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System (PhilGEPS) on May 11, 2026, with an approved budget for the contract (ABC) of P3.8 million.
Gold Fields Sales, a supplier based in Sta. Barbara, Iloilo, won the bidding after offering P3.5 million, or P300,000 below the ABC.
The purchase came under scrutiny after comparisons circulated online showing other mini sweeper units reportedly selling for less than P1 million — substantially cheaper than the equipment acquired by the city.
Areño rejected comparisons based merely on photographs and advertised prices, stressing that equipment specifications must first be examined before conclusions about pricing can be made.
“Before making a comparison, you have to look at the specifications first,” Areño said.
He said the unit acquired by the city is more than a conventional street sweeper.
“In fact, it is not just a sweeper. It has a vacuum, and it also has 1,000 liters of water that can flush out dirt,” Areño said.
Areño said the city also considers warranty and after-sales services in evaluating equipment purchases, particularly the supplier’s ability to respond when repairs or servicing are required.
“We support local suppliers here in the city. We have that policy. Second is the post-sale support – how can that be provided if the equipment is imported?” Areño said.
“So whatever repair is needed, and the warranty, there is someone we can coordinate with and who can provide the service,” he added.
General Services Office (GSO) Head Engr. Neil Ravena likewise defended the procurement, saying the purchase passed the required government procedures and that advertised online prices alone cannot establish overpricing.
“The comparison they provided to us was based on online pricing, which I don’t think should be the basis for determining overpricing because, as we all know, online pricing is part of the marketing strategy of online businesses,” Ravena said.
He said cheaper online products may not necessarily meet the specifications, warranty provisions and after-sales requirements demanded by the city government.
“The price is very attractive, but the specifications that you require may not be available, and you cannot simply return the equipment,” Ravena said.
According to Ravena, the unit cited in the online comparison has four sweepers, while Iloilo City’s equipment is fitted with an articulated arm operated through a hydraulic system.
Its battery is also designed to power the hydraulic arm.
The city’s unit combines sweeping and vacuum functions, allowing it to collect waste after debris is swept from the surface.
“It is not just a sweeper. It also has a vacuum capacity that can suck up the waste that has been swept,” Ravena said.
The equipment is also equipped with a sprinkler system to suppress dust during street-cleaning operations.
Ravena said another feature is its charging system, which eliminates the need for the city to construct a dedicated charging station. The equipment can be charged through a regular 220-volt electrical outlet.
“Everyone has experienced ordering something online and, sometimes, what arrives is not the same as what was advertised,” Ravena said.
He stressed that government procurement involves specifications and contractual conditions that may not be reflected in advertised online prices.
Despite the city officials’ defense of the purchase, the P3.5-million mini sweeper has not yet been officially accepted by the city government.
The equipment must first undergo a detailed inspection to determine whether the delivered unit fully complies with the technical specifications and other requirements stipulated in the procurement contract.
Only after passing inspection and formal acceptance will the mini sweeper be deployed to augment Iloilo City’s cleaning operations, particularly in areas where larger street-sweeping equipment cannot easily operate./PN
