Public Works Secretary Vince B. Dizon has lifted the suspension on bidding for government infrastructure projects, citing the urgent need to avoid delays in the rollout of critical national infrastructure. The resumption, however, comes with stringent new transparency and accountability measures.
In a memorandum, Dizon said the suspension was lifted “in the exigency of the service,” but only after introducing a set of preliminary controls aimed at enhancing public trust and project integrity.
Key reforms include:
- Live-streaming of all bidding activities via the department’s website or social media to ensure public transparency.
- Mandatory geotagging of projects at all stages—planning, mobilization, monthly updates, and completion—to confirm project existence and consistency with approved plans.
- Strict data integrity checks on digital project monitoring systems, including the Road and Bridge Information Application (RBIA), Project and Contract Management Application (PCMA), and Civil Works Application (CWA).
- Tighter financial eligibility reviews based on data submitted to the BIR through the eFPS and validated by audited financial statements.
- Mandatory disclosure of beneficial ownership from all bidders, ensuring clarity on the individuals ultimately controlling or benefiting from project contracts.
- Random field validations and quality spot checks to verify physical progress and construction standards.
Dizon emphasized that violations of these measures could lead to bid cancellations and administrative or criminal liability for responsible officials. The department is prioritizing speed without compromising integrity, as it balances infrastructure rollout with tighter anti-corruption safeguards.
