In another step to end corruption, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. launched on Monday the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Transparency Portal to provide the public access to comprehensive information on government infrastructure projects nationwide.
President Marcos said lack of transparency has contributed to the widespread irregularities in the DPWH, which the President exposed when he denounced the flood control projects kickbacks during his Fourth State of the Nation Address last July 28.
“Ang Transparency Portal ay hindi lang isang website. Ito ay isang pangako. Ito ay isang sagot na digital na pader laban sa korupsyon, ang magpapatibay sa ating paniniwala na ang pamahalaan, bukas, tapat at nakikinig sa sambayanan,” President Marcos said in a press conference in Malacañang.
“Kaya hikayatin natin ang bawat Pilipino na makialam kayo, magtanong, at mag-monitor. Gamitin natin ang bagong portal na ito. Magkasama natin itayo ang isang Bagong Pilipinas: mas maayos, mas matibay na imprastruktura, at buo ang tiwala ng tao sa kanilang pamahalaan.”
For the first time ever, information on all DPWH projects since 2016 are now open to the public to monitor their implementation and report observations on any irregularities.
The DPWH Transparency Portal will serve as a digital library for 247,172 DPWH projects.
The President said the portal will contain important details such as the implementing office, total project cost, progress rate, and funding source.
Accessible through the DPWH official website, the Transparency Portal was developed in about two months with support from private sector technology partners and the Philippine Space Agency, which will provide satellite images.
The portal’s search and filtering functionality allows users to browse or search for projects and narrow results by specific criteria.
Project details, including images, geographic data, and downloadable copies of contract documents, and the status of contracts and projects, will be uploaded every month.
The system will also use artificial intelligence (AI) to deliver a faster, more efficient user experience.
The public can submit reports or observations anonymously, which the DPWH-Office of the Secretary will review, endorse, and act upon accordingly.
President Marcos reiterated his administration is determined to hold accountable those behind the malversation of public funds and to institute reforms to end anomalous flood control and other infrastructure projects. | PND
