Dizon: Bidding process for DPWH projects will be livestreamed

Department of Public Works and Highways Secretary Vince Dizon — File photo by Niño Jesus Orbeta

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Public Works and Highways will livestream the bidding process for its projects to promote transparency, DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon said on Tuesday.

Dizon said that the agency would post livestream links on its social media pages for public access.

“All biddings, from the central office, regional office [and] district office, will be livestreamed,” Dizon said in an interview with dzMM Teleradyo.

READ: Dizon lifts suspension of bidding for locally-funded DPWH projects

As Dizon lifted the suspension of procurement activities for locally funded projects under the agency, a memorandum order dated September 16 provided preliminary measures that must be followed during the conduct of the bidding process, which included livestreaming of bidding activities.

Dizon shared that the agency would start livestreaming the procurement process for the multimillion-dollar Bataan-Cavite interlink bridge project.

“If the DPWH [personnel] will be the only ones monitoring this, there might not be enough scrutiny. If we can do something for the public to be aware of this and keep an eye on the projects of DPWH, I think monitoring will be strengthened and corruption in the past will not happen again,” Dizon stressed.

Meanwhile, when asked why he couldn’t advise the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) to follow the principle of transparency in livestreaming hearings, Dizon said that, while he had no authority to oppose the probe body, the procedure for hearings and bidding is different.

“The legal process is very sensitive, unlike the bidding process, which does not have sensitive issues. What’s important is that the bids and awards committees all over the country will follow the requirements for public bidding,” Dizon noted.

READ: ICI: No livestream of probe, but will look for ‘solution’

Dizon also said that he will be supporting the commission by providing documents and pieces of evidence that can help in investigations.

Last Sunday, ICI executive director Brian Keith Hosaka said that hearings of the ICI are not being livestreamed and he will discuss the requests for livestreaming with the commission to look for a “solution that will both balance the request for more transparency and the protection of individual rights.”

Hosaka also explained that the “ICI is avoiding trial by publicity and will not allow it to be used for any political leverage or agency by any individual or group.” /das/abc