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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider DPWH: Political ties not hindrance to securing flood-control contracts

DPWH: Political ties not hindrance to securing flood-control contracts

Published Aug 13, 2025 02:04 pm

At A Glance

  • DPWH affirms political ties not a barrier in flood-control contract bidding.
  • Contractors must comply with legal, technical, and financial requirements.
  • President Marcos disclosed 15 firms secured P100 billion of flood-control funds.
  • Bulacan, Cebu, Isabela, Pangasinan, and Pampanga lead in flood-control projects.
  • Public urged to monitor projects through Sumbong sa Pangulo website.
Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Manuel M. Bonoan (Photo: DPWH)
Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Manuel M. Bonoan (Photo: DPWH)
Contractors linked to politicians or their relatives may still secure flood-control projects if they meet all legal, technical, and financial requirements, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) said on Wednesday, Aug. 13.
DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan clarified that the law allows firms owned by political figures or their kin to participate in public works bidding.
He stressed that contractors are evaluated solely based on their licenses, equipment, manpower, and financial capacity.
“There’s no political component in a bidding process,” Bonoan said, adding that Congress is considering a proposal to bar relatives of elected officials within a certain degree of consanguinity from engaging in government infrastructure contracts.
His remarks came after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. revealed that 15 contractors cornered about P100 billion—or 20 percent—of the P545-billion flood-control budget from July 2022 to May 2025.
Some of these firms have been linked to political personalities, although Malacañang clarified that none have been accused of wrongdoing.
Palace data showed Bulacan, Cebu, Isabela, Pangasinan, and Pampanga led the provinces with the most flood-control projects, while flood-prone areas such as Metro Manila, Maguindanao, and North Cotabato were not among the top recipients.
Bonoan said the DPWH completed 9,855 flood-control projects during the period and has deployed special teams to verify their status.
“We will check if their work was poorly done and what its status is. We have to verify it in the field,” he said.
The President urged the public to help monitor these projects through the Sumbong sa Pangulo website, which allows citizens to confirm reported structures in their areas and flag any irregularities.

Related Tags

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