MANILA — The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) launched a new Transparency Portal, an expanded and more accessible version of the “Sumbong sa Pangulo” platform, to allow citizens to track government infrastructure projects and report suspected anomalies.

Presidential Communications Office Secretary Dave Gomez said the portal improves on the previous complaint system by offering a broader scope of information and a more user-friendly interface, enabling users to monitor all DPWH projects nationwide.

“As you can see, maraming pagkakahawig doon sa Isumbong mo sa Pangulo website. Pero mas expanded ito ngayon. If I may say so, parang Isumbong sa Pangulo 2.0,” Gomez said in an interview with TV5.

The portal allows users to search any DPWH project and view critical details, including the implementing office, contractor, project cost, and status. Gomez noted that the platform is designed to be user-friendly despite initial concerns.

“Contrary to the initial belief na medyo nakaka-intimidate, napaka-user-friendly ng portal. Sa search bar, i-type mo lang kung ano yung proyekto gusto mong hanapin—lalabas na lahat ng detalye,” he said.

Gomez encouraged citizens to regularly use the portal to monitor projects in their communities and report possible irregularities or substandard work.

“So, I encourage the people to use this portal para masubaybayan ‘yung mga proyekto n’yo on the ground, yung proyekto dyan sa komunidad nyo. At mag-report. Kung tingin nyo talagang may katiwilian sa mga proyekto na yun, gamitin natin itong portal na ito para mag-report. Yun ang purpose ng transparency,” he said.

Asked if the platform would eventually replace the Sumbong sa Pangulo website, Gomez said the transition will occur naturally once most reports are transferred to the DPWH system.

“Eventually mag fade out na ‘yung Sumbong sa Pangulo pag hindi na tayo nakakatanggap ng reports diyan at na-turnover na natin sa ICI yung karamihan ng report. Naturally mawawala na ‘yan,” he said.

While the portal is housed under DPWH and developed in partnership with the Department of Information and Communications Technology, the Office of the President will continue to have oversight of the system.

The DPWH Transparency Portal aims to strengthen public participation, deter corruption, and enhance accountability in the implementation of infrastructure projects nationwide.