PCC files bid rigging charges vs. contractors, DPWH officials in Bulacan
The Philippine Competition Commission (PCC) on Friday, Nov 14, filed before the Department of Justice (DOJ) criminal charges against contractors and officials of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) over the alleged bid rigging in three flood control projects in Bulacan.
The names of those charged were not disclosed by PCC Competition Enforcement Office Assistant Director Genevieve E. Jusi. A copy of the complaint was not made available.
Jusi said the cases involved three flood control projects that were bidded out by the DPWH Bulacan First Engineering District.
“Right now, we are looking at several contractors and public officials,” Jusi also said.
During the PCC’s investigation, Jusi said “we found there is a possible violation of Section 14 (a)(2) of Republic Act No. 10667, the Philippine Competition Act.”
“So ito po ‘yung bid rigging. Ang bid rigging po ay ipinagbabawal under Philippine Competition Act. Ito po ‘yung pagsasabwatan ng mga contractors or bidders para mamanipula ang resulta ng bidding (So this is bid rigging. Bid rigging is prohibited under the Philippine Competition Act. This is the collusion of the contractors or bidders to manipulate the bidding process),” she explained.
On the part of the DOJ, Justice Undersecretary Jesse Hermogenes T. Andres said “the DOJ will evaluate the referral of the Philippine Competition Commission on possible violation of the Competition Act, particularly, on bid rigging.”
“We will subpoena the respondents in due time when we are already ready to conduct the preliminary investigation,” Andres said.