THE Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) on Tuesday lifted the temporary suspension of bidding for locally funded projects.
In a three-page memorandum dated Sept. 16, Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon said he issued the order “to prevent delays in the implementation of critical national infrastructure.”
“Pending a full review of the department’s internal processes, and in the exigency of the service to prevent delays in the implementation of critical national infrastructure, the suspension is hereby lifted,” the memorandum read.
Dizon said the lifting is subject to strict adherence to certain preliminary measures and all applicable laws, rules and regulations.
The measures include the live-streaming of bidding activities, geotagging of project sites, road and bridge information application validation, preparation of a straight line diagram, preparation of parcellary plan, project and contract management application, non-splitting of contracts, net financial contracting capacity, and disclosure of relations and beneficial ownership.
These measures, Dizon said, were all in compliance with the implementing rules and regulations of Republic Act (RA) 12009 and existing department orders.
Dizon said the live-streaming of bidding is aimed at enhancing the transparency of the procurement process.
Geotagging of project sites, regardless of cost, infrastructure type, or funding source, will cover the following stages: planning (prior to implementation), mobilization, monthly progress, and completion. The accountable offices concerned are also directed to strictly review and verify the integrity of geotagged photographs and to monitor compliance by all personnel involved in the geotagging of civil works projects.
“This ensures location accuracy, validates projects existence, and maintains consistency with approved planning documents,” the memo read.
Also highlighted is the “non-splitting” of contracts, which has been the practice in the past by DPWH district engineering offices to circumvent the rule that all projects above P150 million should be implemented by the DPWH Regional Office.
Disclosure of relations and beneficial ownership will also be strictly implemented as required by RA 12009. All prospective bidders are mandated to submit a sworn disclosure of relations and beneficial ownership, clearly identifying the natural persons who ultimately own control, or benefit from the bidding entity, whether directly or indirectly, through shareholding, voting rights, contractual arrangements, or other means of control.
Implementing offices shall be responsible for verifying and validating the accuracy and completeness of disclosures to detect and prevent conflict of interest, prohibited relationships, or attempts to circumvent procurement rules.
“This is intended to safeguard the integrity of the procurement process against fraud, collusion, and undue influence,” it said.
“Non-compliance shall be deemed sufficient cause for the deferment or cancellation of the bidding process and shall subject the responsible officials and personnel to appropriate administrative and/or criminal actions, in accordance with existing laws, rules, and regulations,” the order added.
Coordination with LGUs
Meanwhile, the Metro Manila Council (MMC) on Tuesday, Sept. 16, passed a resolution requiring national government agencies to coordinate with local governments before implementing infrastructure projects in their cities.
MMC president and San Juan Mayor Francis Zamora said the measure aims to prevent ghost projects and substandard works, stressing that local chief executives must have the authority to approve projects within their jurisdictions.
