Local DPWH project bidding suspended amid corruption allegations
MANILA, Philippines — Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon has suspended the bidding of locally funded projects following the massive corruption scandal the agency is facing.
This means that local bidding for district, regional and national infrastructure projects, such as flood control, bridges and roads, will be paused.
“I will order today a pause to all biddings of locally funded projects, nationwide. Pause,” Dizon said.
Dizon explained that the DPWH needed to “clean house”. He said the agency has a maximum of two weeks to implement safeguards in the bidding process.
He added that the announcement of these safeguards will made in the coming days.
The new DPWH chief said that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. no longer wanted to throw money into the river.
While local biddings have been suspended, Dizon said that foreign-assisted projects will continue. These projects typically include big-ticket infrastructure developments such as the Metro Manila Subway and the North South Commuter Railway.
Dizon said he was confident that the foreign advisers overseeing these projects are closely monitoring their progress.
The DPWH is currently undergoing an overhaul in response to alleged systemic corruption involving so-called "ghost" flood control projects. Dizon has ordered the courtesy resignation of all DPWH executives, from the undersecretaries to district engineers.
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