MANILA — Senator Bam Aquino urged the government to file cases of bid-rigging under the Philippine Competition Act (PCA) against contractors involved in anomalous flood control projects, saying the measure could hold them accountable and help recover billions in public funds.

During the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee hearing, Aquino cited provisions of Republic Act 10667, which impose penalties of ₱100 million to ₱250 million per offense for bid-rigging. He raised the point after Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon admitted that such illegal practices occurred in flood control projects, with losses possibly reaching trillions of pesos due to ghost and substandard projects.

“Sa Philippine Competition Act, meron pong mga provision po diyan tsaka penalties for bid rigging. Iyong penalty po diyan is 100 to 250 million pesos per offense,” Aquino said.

Aquino stressed that beyond imprisonment, recovering public funds must also be prioritized. He noted that the Philippine Competition Commission (PCC) has the power to launch motu proprio investigations into such violations.

“The PCC can file based on an administrative complaint, fines on those engaged in bid rigging. A fine of ₱100 million to ₱250 million per instance… you only need substantial evidence, not evidence beyond reasonable doubt because this is administrative,” he said.

Aquino added that if 600 contracts were involved, penalties could reach up to ₱150 billion. He urged the executive branch to coordinate with the PCC to immediately begin investigations.

Dizon, for his part, agreed with Aquino’s recommendation. “Tayo’y makikipag-usap kay Chairman Mike Aguinaldo ng PCC at sa kanyang team para maumpisahan natin agad ito,” he said.

Aquino clarified that cases under the PCA would be separate from criminal and administrative charges that could also be filed against erring contractors.