DPWH suspends bidding for locally funded projects

DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon (PNA photo by Joan Bondoc)

By Ferdinand Patinio, Philippine News Agency

MANILA – Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon on Wednesday ordered the temporary suspension of all bidding for its locally funded infrastructure projects.

During the turnover ceremony at the Department of Transportation, Dizon noted that the nationwide suspension of DPWH bidding activities is in line with the directive of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to “cleanse” the agency.

“The President made it clear – he does not want any more government funds to be wasted,” he said in a statement.

At the same time, he clarified that projects with assistance from foreign countries or Official Development Assistance (ODA) and lending institutions will be implemented.

Dizon noted that ODA-funded projects have undergone thorough review and are part of infrastructure flagship projects that have a significant impact and are important to the country’s economic development.

He explained that the approval process for such projects goes through several levels of evaluation and clearance, including review by the Regional Development Council (RDC); Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev); Investment Coordination Committee (ICC) Secretariat, Technical Board and Cabinet Committee; and the Economy and Development Council (formerly NEDA Board), which is chaired by the President himself.

The suspension will be in effect, as the DPWH will conduct a thorough review of the projects over the next two weeks as part of the intensified campaign against corruption in the agency.

Dizon also assured the public that they are committed to transparency, accountability, and proper use of public funds in the next steps.

The new DPWH chief officially assumed office on Tuesday, after a turnover ceremony with former head Manual Bonoan, who resigned from the post on Sunday amid the controversies over the agency’s flood control projects.

Formerly the secretary of the DOTr, Dizon formally turned over the leadership to Undersecretary for Administration, Finance and Procurement Giovanni Lopez.