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The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) will soon begin broadcasting its public auctions for its projects through its social media platforms, a move that will promote greater transparency for the embattled agency now facing multiple allegations of corruption.
Public Works Secretary Mark A. Villar said he ordered the live broadcast of his agency’s procurement initiatives to “avoid irregularities, as long as the corresponding committee is required to convene or meet.”
He added: “In the past, we focused on duly authorized observers and the participation of accredited civil society organizations as monitors of the recruitment procedures, these live broadcast efforts create the feeling of being there for anyone interested.”
To recall, President Duterte has alleged systematic corrupt practices at the DPWH, citing phantom projects and hidden deals. By livestreaming its auctions, the agency opens itself up to greater scrutiny and transparency.
Villar’s order also covers the posting of relevant tender announcements on official websites and social media platforms, such as project name, budget, contract period, winning bidder, award date, and implementation division. , among others.
The agency is now implementing technology infrastructure to “quickly ensure that the policy is implemented immediately,” according to the DPWH chief.
The order for the live broadcast of the auctions complements a September 2020 order that Villar issued to “expedite the provision of public service while ensuring the safety, health and well-being of both department personnel and contractors. who do business with the agency ”through digitization of bidding initiatives.
In this configuration, bidders are encouraged to directly email their bids in department procurement activities to the head of the tendering and award committee of the procuring entities, who are assigned dedicated email addresses.
“More importantly, the decision to move DPWH’s procurement process online is aimed at decreasing human intervention in receiving bids and therefore reducing the chances of bribery and corruption,” Villar said.
