MANILA — Malacañang pushed for the lifetime disqualification of contractors, suppliers, and consultants found involved in anomalous government infrastructure projects, in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to eliminate corruption in public works.

“Pagpapataw ng lifetime blacklisting sa mga pasaway na contractors, suppliers at consultants, isinusulong alinsunod sa adhikain ni Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. na tukuyin at puksain ang korapsyon sa mga proyekto ng pamahalaan,” Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said during a Palace press briefing.

Castro said that following the President’s directive, Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Amenah Pangandaman pushed for the strict implementation of the blacklisting provision under Republic Act (RA) No. 12009, or the New Government Procurement Act of 2024.

The law mandates the perpetual disqualification from government bidding of contract implementors who repeatedly violate procurement regulations.

Castro said the new law aims to keep the procurement process transparent and promote accountability in the use of public funds.

The DBM also seeks to increase the severity of penalties against private individuals and companies found to have neglected or violated government contracts, Castro said.

She added that contractors, suppliers, and consultants who have committed at least three violations of procurement regulations will face a lifetime ban from transacting with the government.

“Inaasahang mabisang deterrent ang bagong probisyon ng batas upang wakasan ang paglustay sa kaban ng bayan at proteksyunan ang kapakanan ng mamamayan,” Castro said.