DPWH chief vows sanctions vs erring officials, contractors
DPWH Secretary Mark Villar. INQUIRER.NET PHOTO/CATHY MIRANDA
MANILA, Philippines — Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Mark Villar on Friday said that the blacklisting of 25 contractors under his leadership is proof that collusion between erring officials and contractors is not being tolerated by the department.
In a statement, Villar said 25 contractors have so far been blacklisted during his term and warned that other contractors found guilty of violating government contracts will likewise be added to the list.
“This is a testament that collusion between contractors and DPWH officials is not being tolerated. If any of our implementing offices are tolerating erring contractors by letting them continue with their projects without sanctioning them, the Department will not hesitate in imposing disciplinary action against them,” Villar said.
According to Villar, the DPWH has recorded the highest number of blacklisted non-performing or scheming contractors under his term.
He said that from 2010 to June 2016, there were only five contractors banned by the DPWH, and only eight from 2005 to 2010.
He warned that contractors found guilty of violating terms and conditions of contracts will be barred from participating in all government projects for one year based on the implementing rules and regulations of Republic Act 9184 or the Government Procurement Reform Act.
Going hi-tech
According to Villar, the DPWH has also incorporated appropriate technology to closely monitor thousands of government projects being undertaken simultaneously.
He said he had pioneered a DPWH monitoring system using drones and geography-based status reports on the progress of the projects which are being confirmed through satellite photography or geotagging.
Villar added that a tech-based initiative – DPWH Infratrack application – also facilitates virtual monitoring of civil works projects for a more accurate measurement of contractor’s accomplishments. (Miggy Dumlao, trainee)
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