Yearender: DPWH lays groundwork for transformation

MANILA, Philippines - Public Works Secretary Rogelio Singson spent the first six months of his term implementing reforms in the agency often rated as the most corrupt and controversial.

“We are coming from a long period of bad habits so during the first six months, we focused on putting in place a transformation plan, which is implementing full transparency and accountability programs,” Singson said.

One of his first acts in the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) was the cancellation of 19 negotiated contracts under the “Post ‘Ondoy’ and ‘Pepeng’ Short-Term Infrastructure Rehabilitation Project” funded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

The cancellation of the P934-million project led to the dismissal of three of its signatories.

Removed from their posts were Project Management Office for Major Flood Control and Drainage Project Cluster II head Philip Meñez, assistant director Fidel Gines, and DPWH-Accounting Division officer-in-charge Marichu Palafox.

The projects are now undergoing rebidding. “We have also started looking at ways on how we could simplify the procedures, and make it competitive among the interested and qualified parties,” said Singson.

Among the reforms he wants implemented in the agency is the reduction of the number of requirements for public bidding. From the 22 requirements asked from bidders, Singson wants the number of documents whittled down to five, to include the bid price, bid security, certification of compliance with all registration requirements, and latest financial contracting capability.

The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) would also check on the capability of the bidder to carry out high-priced contracts.

Singson said the department is also involving non-government organizations in monitoring the construction of roads and bridges.

The department has also expanded its public presence on social networking sites Facebook and Twitter to receive reports of irregularities.

The DPWH was also one of the first agencies to follow the ban issued by President Aquino on placing names and pictures of politicians on project billboards.

The only information allowed on the billboards are the name of the project, location, name of contractor, starting date, completion date, contract cost, construction consultant, and implementing DPWH office.

“I think we have put in place the direction. We are changing cultures and values at the department and it is not going to happen overnight,” Singson asmitted. “I think it is now sinking in that for DPWH it would have to be doing the right project, at the right cost, at the right quality.”