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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider DPWH should be prepared to deal with 'unwilling' contractors, says Lacson

DPWH should be prepared to deal with 'unwilling' contractors, says Lacson

Published Jan 27, 2026 02:49 pm

At A Glance

  • The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) must prepare to deal with contractors who are not willing to participate in the bidding of projects due to lower costs of construction materials.

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) must prepare to deal with contractors who are not willing to participate in the bidding of projects due to lower costs of construction materials. 

Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo “Ping” Lacson made the call on Tuesday, January 27 amid the reforms introduced under this year’s budget. 

Lacson said this is especially true for contractors used to huge profits because of their early advances to some legislators and DPWH and other officials, after the National Expenditure Program (NEP) was finalized.

“The DPWH should anticipate how to deal with contractors ‘unwilling’ to participate in the bidding of projects due to reduced cost of construction materials,” Lacson said on his X account.

“Their early advances to legislators after the NEP was finalized will not help obviate a looming infrastructure crisis,” he further said.

https://x.com/iampinglacson/status/2015961370102284513

During the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee hearings on the anomalies surrounding government flood control projects, as well as his scrutiny of the current and past national budgets, Lacson uncovered an elaborate system of kickbacks involving flood control and other infrastructure projects.

The system shows how contractors, lawmakers and officials, including those from the DPWH, benefitted in kickbacks, a matter which he detailed in two privilege speeches last year. 

The Senate Blue Ribbon Committee, however, has yet to schedule its next hearing on the flood control anomalies.

Related Tags

Ping Lacson flood control anomalies Senate probe Senate Blue Ribbon Committee
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