DPWH chief vows strict review of blacklisted firms

Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon has vowed tougher measures to stop blacklisted contractors from rejoining government projects under new names.

At a Palace briefing, Dizon said all firms behind “ghost” or substandard projects will be permanently banned from future contracts. He added that the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), along with the Philippine Contractors Accreditation Board (PCAB), will review not just company names but the real owners to prevent circumvention of the blacklist.

Dizon also flagged reports that some contractors were given top PCAB accreditation despite weak capital, stressing the need for reforms and “long-term structural safety nets” to safeguard infrastructure integrity.

“Hindi taon ang binibilang dito, dekada ito sa ganyan. So, kailangan talaga sweeping, sab inga ni Pangulo,” he said.

Dizon added that an independent commission will soon be created to hold accountable those behind anomalous projects.IMT