DPWH lifts 2-week freeze on local project bid activities

THE Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) said it lifted the two-week suspension of auctions for locally-funded projects, citing the need to fast-track the rollout of key items of infrastructure.

“Pending a full review of the department’s internal processes, and in the exigency of the service to prevent delays in the implementation of critical infrastructure, the suspension is hereby lifted,” Public Works Secretary Vivencio “Vince” B. Dizon said in a memorandum dated Sept. 16.

The DPWH had suspended bidding for two weeks to facilitate the government’s investigation into defective or non-existent flood control projects.

The DPWH threatened to cancel the bidding process in case irregularities emerge.

“Non-compliance 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,” according to the memorandum.

The DPWH ordered the livestreaming of all bid activities, the validation of all road and bridge application data; and the geotagging of project sites.

“All projects, regardless of cost, infrastructure type, or funding source, shall undergo geotagging at the following stages: planning (prior to implementation), mobilization, monthly progress, and completion,” the DPWH said.

It noted the provisions in Republic Act No. 12009 or the New Government Procurement Act requiring the review of all prospective bidders’ capacity to undertake projects, particularly financial capacity, the DPWH said, adding that prospective bidders are also required to submit sworn disclosures of beneficial ownership.

The suspension had affected ongoing bid activities involving national, regional and district-level projects as the DPWH raced to install safeguards against so-called “ghost” projects.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. in his fourth State of the Nation Address on July 28 directed the DPWH to submit a full list of projects from the past three years and ordered an investigation into flood control projects.

The DPWH has submitted a list of over 9,000 projects completed between July 2022 and May 2025. Of these, 160 projects have undergone validation, with 15 reported as missing or unlocated, according to former Public Works Secretary Manuel M. Bonoan.

On Monday, the DPWH dismissed three officials of the Bulacan first district Engineering Office after finding multiple administrative offenses linked to flood control. — Ashley Erika O. Jose