The Department of Agriculture warned contractors and the public Monday against individuals claiming ties to agency staff to secure Philippine Rural Development Project contracts for a fee. Reports include a person calling himself Gio offering guaranteed awards, but the DA confirmed no one is authorized to broker such deals.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. stressed all contracts follow formal bidding rules. “There is no such thing as a sure contract for PRDP projects. Everything must go through procurement,” he said. Pre-procurement promises carry no official standing, and personal connections yield no bidding advantage.
Under the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, falsely invoking official influence for money or preference exposes all involved to administrative, civil, or criminal liability. These practices also undermine trust in public procurement by suggesting contracts go to connections instead of qualified bidders. The DA directs anyone approached with such offers to verify directly with the agency before committing funds. It remains committed to open, competitive processes and will pursue action against those misrepresenting official ties. PRDP builds rural infrastructure, enterprises, and value chains to expand market access.
