DPWH lifts suspension, sets guidelines on procurement for local projects

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) lifted Tuesday the suspension on procurement activities for locally-funded projects.

“Nagpalabas ng direktiba si DPWH Secretary Vince B. Dizon na muling nagpapahintulot sa mga implementing offices upang ituloy ang mga procurement activities,” the DPWH said on Facebook.

The department earlier suspended the ongoing bidding of its locally funded projects to review the process following reports of anomalous flood control programs.

With the lifting of the suspension, the DPWH set some guidelines in the procurement of locally funded projects including the following laws, rules, and regulations:

• Livestreaming of Bidding Activities [Sec. 38.2, IRR of R.A. No. 12009]
• Geotagging of Project Sites [Department Order (D.O.) 85, series of 2020] 
• Road and Bridge Information Application Validation [D.O. 124, series of 2016]
• Preparation of a Straight Line Diagram [D.O. 246, series of 2024]
• Preparation of Parcellary Plan [D.O. 152, series of 2017; D.O. No. 187, series of 2002]
• Project and Contract Management Application [D.O. 05, series of 2025]
• Splitting of Contracts [Sec. 39, Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act (R.A.) No. 12009]
• Net Financial Contracting Capacity [Sec. 52.4.1.4, IRR of R.A. No. 12009]
• Disclosure of Relations and Beneficial Ownership [Sec. 81.1 and Sec. 82, IRR of R.A. No. 12009]

“All concerned offices and implementing units are hereby directed to ensure strict compliance with the foregoing safeguards, as well as all applicable laws, rules, and regulations,” Dizon said in the memorandum.

“Noncompliance shall be deemed sufficient cause for the deferment or cancellation of the bidding process and shall subject the responsible officials and personnel to appropriate administrative and/or criminal actions, in accordance with existing laws, rules, and regulations,” he added.

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. has called for an investigation into anomalous flood control projects. 

Several government agencies, as well as the Senate and the House of Representatives, have launched their respective investigations

Some flood control projects were found to be ghost projects. — RSJ, GMA Integrated News