MANILA — Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon on Wednesday, Sept. 3, ordered the nationwide suspension of bidding for all Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) locally funded projects, as part of a two-week review aimed at curbing corruption within the agency.

Speaking at a turnover ceremony at the Department of Transportation, Dizon said the move follows President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to “clean up” the DPWH and ensure that no government funds go to waste.

“Malinaw ang sinabi ng Pangulo—ayaw na niyang may nasasayang na pondo ng gobyerno,” Dizon stressed.

The suspension covers only locally funded projects. Infrastructure projects funded through Official Development Assistance (ODA) and lending institutions will continue as scheduled, Dizon clarified.

He explained that ODA-backed projects undergo multiple layers of evaluation and approval, including the Regional Development Council, Department of Economy, Planning, and Development, the Investment Coordination Committee, and the Economy and Development Council (formerly the NEDA Board) chaired by the President.

Dizon assured the public that the DPWH is committed to transparency, accountability, and prudent use of public funds as it undertakes the review.