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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider DPWH lifts procurement freeze, sets strict transparency rules on flood control projects

DPWH lifts procurement freeze, sets strict transparency rules on flood control projects

Published Sep 16, 2025 05:14 pm

At A Glance

  • DPWH lifts suspension on procurement for locally funded projects after ghost flood programs were exposed.
  • Secretary Vince B. Dizon orders strict compliance with new safeguards.
  • Noncompliance may result in deferment or cancellation of bidding and administrative or criminal penalties.
  • Senate, House, and other agencies launch investigations into anomalous flood control projects.
  • New guidelines issued to ensure transparency, accountability, and proper oversight in project procurement.
Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon speaks to reporters during a briefing after personally filing graft complaints on September 11, 2025, at the Office of the Ombudsman against 20 officials of the Bulacan 1st District Engineering Office and four private contractors over alleged irregularities in flood control projects. (Photo courtesy of DPWH)
Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon speaks to reporters during a briefing after personally filing graft complaints on September 11, 2025, at the Office of the Ombudsman against 20 officials of the Bulacan 1st District Engineering Office and four private contractors over alleged irregularities in flood control projects. (Photo courtesy of DPWH)
The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) lifted Tuesday, Sept. 16, the suspension on procurement for locally funded projects, which was initially imposed after some flood control structures were found to be ghost projects.
DPWH Secretary Vince B. Dizon directed all implementing offices to strictly comply with the new safeguards, as he warned that any noncompliance may result in deferment or cancellation of bidding and could subject responsible officials and personnel to administrative or criminal penalties.
The discovery of ghost projects prompted investigations by the Senate, House of Representatives, and other government agencies.
With the lifting of the suspension, the DPWH also issued a set of rules and guidelines to ensure transparency, accountability, and proper oversight in the procurement of locally funded projects.
These guidelines include:
Livestreaming of bidding activities [Sec. 38.2, IRR of R.A. No. 12009].
Geotagging of project sites [Department Order (D.O.) 85, series of 2020].
Validation through the Road and Bridge Information Application [D.O. 124, series of 2016].
Preparation of straight-line diagrams [D.O. 246, series of 2024].
Preparation of parcellary plans [D.O. 152, series of 2017; D.O. No. 187, series of 2002].
Use of the Project and Contract Management Application [D.O. 05, series of 2025].
Splitting of contracts [Sec. 39, IRR of R.A. No. 12009].
Assessment of net financial contracting capacity [Sec. 52.4.1.4, IRR of R.A. No. 12009].
Disclosure of relations and beneficial ownership [Sec. 81.1 and Sec. 82, IRR of R.A. No. 12009].
“All concerned offices and implementing units are hereby directed to ensure strict compliance with the foregoing safeguards, as well as all applicable laws, rules, and regulations,” Dizon said.
President Marcos has called for a full investigation into anomalous flood control projects, underscoring the government’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and proper oversight in public infrastructure programs.

Related Tags

DPWH Vince Dizon procurement guidelines flood control projects Transparency and Accountability
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