MANILA — President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. announced a series of reforms aimed at strengthening integrity, transparency, and accountability in government infrastructure projects under the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

Speaking at a press conference in Malacañang, the President emphasized that the measures are designed to prevent corruption and ensure that public funds are properly utilized for the benefit of Filipinos.

“Upang masigurong maisusulong ang katapatan, integridad, at pananagutan sa pamahalaan, nagsasagawa tayo ng mga reporma sa iba’t ibang sektor ng ating bansa,” President Marcos said.

A key feature of the reforms is the creation of a transparency portal that will provide the public with broad access to information on government projects, including details about contractors, project locations, and implementation status.

“Ibig sabihin, babantayan natin nang husto every step of the way. Bawat hakbang sa prosesong ito ay babantayan natin nang mabuti para ‘pag may nakita tayong hindi tama na gawa o against the rules and regulations ay makikita natin kaagad at hindi na natin pababayaan na makikita lang after two, three years kagaya ng nangyayari ngayon,” he added.

The reforms will focus on three main areas:

1. Design Process: Improving project planning, minimizing risks, and ensuring projects are data-driven.
2. Bidding and Procurement: Enhancing competition and integrity while addressing potential risks throughout the procurement process.
3. Payment Process: Ensuring public funds are released only for projects that are completed and meet required standards, addressing issues of ghost or substandard projects.

President Marcos also highlighted the use of smart technologies and artificial intelligence (AI) to monitor and detect irregularities in contracts and project implementation.

“‘Yung isang smart technology na gagamitin natin, ‘yung aking nabanggit, titingin sa proseso ng kontrata para ‘pag may nakitang hindi tama, makikita natin kaagad. Maglilista ‘yan, makikita natin, babalikan natin at imbestigahan natin bakit ganyan ang nangyari,” he said.

The President stressed that these technologies will also help verify construction quality, ensuring materials and workmanship meet proper specifications for effective and durable infrastructure.