DPWH files 12 cases vs 5 contractors, ex-officials over bid rigging

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has filed twelve cases of bid manipulation and rigging before the Philippine Competition Commission (PCC) against five contractors and former officials of the Bulacan First District Engineering Office.

The firms include Wawao Builders (3 cases), IM Construction Corp. (2 cases), Syms Construction Trading (2 cases), Discaya-owned St. Timothy Construction Corp. (2 cases), and Sunwest Inc. (3 cases), all of which have been flagged for substandard projects.

DPWH Undersecretary Ricardo P. Bernabe III stated that despite internal audit flags for irregularities, some contractors were still awarded projects, indicating bid-rigging.

The DPWH also referred a separate case against Sunwest, Inc. and DPWH Regional Office IV-B officials, concerning flood control projects in Oriental Mindoro where regional officials allegedly failed to act.

Evidence from Senate and House hearings, DPWH, and Commission on Audit investigations supports the allegations of irregularities in the Bulacan procurement.

Former DPWH Bulacan district engineer Henry Alcantara testified that Zaldy Co allegedly received billions of pesos in kickbacks from various Bulacan projects.

Orly Guteza, identified as Co's driver, alleged before the Senate blue ribbon committee that he delivered money to his boss and former House speaker Martin Romualdez.

The PCC may impose fines ranging from P110 million for a first offense to P110 million to P250 million for succeeding violations, with potential penalties up to P2.3 billion for those found guilty.