Ex-DPWH Usec Bernardo: Auction gov't infra projects instead of bidding

To curb corruption, former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo suggested Friday that government infrastructure projects be auctioned off instead of bidding these out to contractors.

Bernardo made the remarks after Senate President Vicente "Tito" Sotto III asked the former DPWH officials of possible solutions to prevent a repeat of the alleged kickback scheme in the government projects.

"Sa aking palagay, siguro po ang gawin parang i-auction ang project. Open. With the presence of those qualified contractors, given the project name and the approved value for the contract, personally contractors can make an auction," Bernardo told the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee.

(I think it would be best to auction the projects and have it open to the public. With the presence of those qualified contractors, given the project name and the approved value for the contract, personally contractors can make an auction.)

"Kapag sila ang nag-offer, personal andun na 'yun. Of course, before the auction, their documents, dapat nakita na lahat na they are qualified for the project and can be included in those possible auctioneers," he said

(The contractors may attend the auction personally. Of course, before the auction, their documents should prove they are qualified for the project and can be  included in those possible auctioneers.)

Former Bulacan 1st district engineer Henry Alcantara agreed to Bernardo's suggestion, but said legislators should include additional measures to prevent contractors from making arrangements among themselves.

"Siguro hihigpitan ang implementation ng three-strike policy [sa mga natatalong contractors]," Hernandez said.

(We may strengthen the implementation of three-strike policy on losing contractors.)

Bernardo clarified the three-strike policy refers to contractors with violations, and not to losing bidders.

Earlier in the day, Bernardo implicated more individuals including ex-Secretary Manuel Bonoan, and other lawmakers as among those who received commitments in infrastructure projects. — VDV, GMA Integrated News