Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Sec. Mark A. Villar led agency officials Monday, April 12 in signing a "Pledge of Cooperation and Oath of Honesty Manifesto" in partnership with the Presidential Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC).
Held via Zoom, the online event was attended by the members of the DPWH Management Committee; the regional, bureau, project, and service directors; and also district engineers. The virtual signing was witnessed by PACC officials led by its chairman, Greco B. Belgica.
“This event solidifies our partnership with the PACC under the Project Kasangga –Tokhang Laban sa Korapsyon. This is our pledge to the people and our President Rodrigo Roa Duterte that we will continue to implement stringent action against perceived corruption in the department, to safeguard people’s money, and that the wrong-doing goes punished,” Villar said during the signing.
“Hence, I once again urge you all to be a leader that leads the way in the fight against corruption that severely damaged confidence of every DPWH men and women, by enshrining anti-corruption and transparency and promote public service with integrity,” he added.
Before the event, PACC held a virtual meeting with Villar and senior DPWH senior officials wherein they discussed the cooperation between the two agencies covering the speedy detection, prosecution, and resolution of graft and corruption cases within the department.
Belgica explained in his speech the importance of a non-corrupt DPWH.
“The President’s Build, Build, Build Project under your watch is a key component of his Presidential Campaign promise to the Filipino people. He wanted this realized and delivered. Any trace of corruption here will be an unforgivable offense. He urged all of us to toe the line,” Belgica told Villar.
The PACC chief stressed that President Duterte intends to dedicate the last few months of the tenure on two things: combatting corruption and reducing, if not completely eliminating bureaucratic red tape.
Upon taking over the helm at DPWH in 2016, Villar implemented major anti-graft and corruption measures, including the setting up pf a system that requires audit on all technical processes of the agency's projects as well as the geotagging-based photo monitoring of the projects.
A Document Tracking System was also established for civil works, consulting services, and procurement of goods in all DPWH offices nationwide. This allowed the online monitoring of transactions made by contractors, consultants, and suppliers.
The DPWH likewise issued policies allowing contractors to apply and update profiles online, as well as submit bids online to further reduce human intervention and the probability of corruption.