PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. announced Thursday various reforms aimed at strengthening integrity, transparency, and accountability in government infrastructure projects of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).
In a press conference at Malacañang, President Marcos emphasized that these reforms are designed to prevent the reoccurrence of corruption issues in infrastructure projects and to ensure that public funds are spent properly for the benefit of Filipinos.
“Upang masigurong maisusulong ang katapatan, integridad, at pananagutan sa pamahalaan, nagsasagawa tayo ng mga reporma sa iba’t ibang sektor ng ating bansa,” said President Marcos.
The President said a transparency portal is being created to provide the public with broader access to information about government projects, including details about the contractors, project locations, and implementation status.
“Ibig sabihin, babantayan natin nang husto every step of the way. Bawat hakbang sa prosesong ito ay babantayan natin nang mabuti para ‘pag may nakita tayong hindi tama na gawa o against the rules and regulations ay makikita natin kaagad at hindi na natin pababayaan na makikita lang after two, three years kagaya ng nangyayari ngayon,” the Chief Executive said.
President Marcos said his administration will implement systematic reforms focusing on three key areas to strengthen transparency, data security, and public involvement in project monitoring.
These include reforms in the design process aimed at improving project planning, minimizing risks, and ensuring that all projects are data-driven.
The President also mentioned reforms in the bidding and procurement process, aimed at enhancing competition, honesty and integrity, while addressing potential risk factors throughout the procurement process.
Lastly, the President highlighted reforms in the payment process to guarantee that public funds are released for projects that are completed and compliant with standards.
“Dahil marami tayong nakita completed, bayad na, hindi mo naman mahanap ‘yung project, ghost project. O kung may makita ka mang project, hindi kumpleto, substandard. Kaya patitibayin natin ang proseso para tiyakin natin na lahat ng kontrata ay ma-implement nang mabuti,” said the President.
President Marcos is also looking into using smart technologies and artificial intelligence (AI) in monitoring and detecting irregularities in contracts and the implementation of government projects.
“‘Yung isang smart technology na gagamitin natin, ‘yung aking nabanggit, titingin sa proseso ng kontrata para ‘pag may nakitang hindi tama, makikita natin kaagad. Maglilista ‘yan, makikita natin, babalikan natin at imbestigahan natin bakit ganyan ang nangyari,” President Marcos said.
The President said these technologies will also be used to verify construction quality ensuring that the materials used meet the right specifications and that projects are effective and durable.
