DPWH eyes license revocation for ghost project contractors

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is considering revoking the licenses of contractors linked to ghost projects amid the investigation into anomalous flood control systems.

“Ako nga ho, tama ang nasabi ng isang kasamahan niyo sa media. Hindi nga dapat perpetual disqualification, dapat lisensiya wala,” DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon told Unang Hirit in an interview on Tuesday.

(I agree with what your colleague in the media said. It shouldn't be perpetual disqualification in government projects; it should be license revocation.)

“Sabi ko nga, nasanay na naman po tayong mag-revoke ng lisensiya ng driver. Siguro, dito naman mag-revoke ng lisensiya ng kontratista,” he added.

(As I said, I am used to revoking driver's licenses. Maybe, I should revoke contractor’s licenses here too.)

Before taking over the DPWH on Monday, Dizon served as secretary of the Department of Transportation (DOTr).

On Monday, Dizon initially said contractors behind ghost projects and substandard infrastructure works will face an automatic lifetime ban in government programs.

“Itong mga ghost project at substandard projects, kinlear ko na rin po sa ating Pangulo na itong mga contractor ng mga ghost projects na ito, unang-una mag-iimpose po ako ng lifetime blocklisting ban immediately,” he earlier said.

(Regarding ghost projects and substandard projects, I made it clear to the President that contractors involved in these will face a lifetime blacklisting ban immediately.)

“Kapag ang isang project ng isang contractor ay ghost, napatunayang substandard, wala na itong prose-proseso, wala nang imbestigasyon, automatic po blacklisted for life ang contractor na ‘yan at siyempre may kaakibat pong kaso 'yan,” he added.

(If a contractor’s project is a ghost project or proven substandard, there will be no process, no investigation. That contractor will be automatically blacklisted for life, and corresponding charges will be filed.) —KG, GMA Integrated News