No Political Component in Government Bidding Process
Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Manuel Bonoan firmly stated that there is no political component in the bidding process for government projects. This assurance came amid reports linking some contractors to political figures during the awarding of contracts.
Officials reported that the bidding process strictly follows legal and financial requirements, ensuring fairness and transparency. Secretary Bonoan emphasized that only contractors with valid licenses and sufficient financial capacity can participate in government project bids.
Contractors Must Meet Strict Qualifications
According to local leaders, a contractor’s Net Financial Contracting Capacity (NFCC) determines their eligibility to bid on projects. This financial threshold ensures that only capable firms can handle the scale and demands of government contracts.
“There is no political component in a bidding process. Actually, for you to be able to participate in the bid, you have to have a contractor license in a certain type of project, and they look at your net financial capacity, if you can still participate, things like that,” Bonoan explained in a recent interview.
Community members noted that equipment, manpower, and other qualifications are also carefully evaluated during pre-qualification to guarantee the project’s successful execution.
Political Connections Not a Disqualifier by Law
While some contractors may have ties to politicians, officials reported that current laws do not prohibit such connections as long as the bidding process remains legal and transparent. Bonoan clarified that political affiliation alone is not grounds for disqualification.
However, when asked if contractors linked to politicians should be barred from bidding, Bonoan responded, “If this is the root cause of the entire issue, we will see how we can go about it.” This suggests possible future considerations on the matter.
Recent Controversy Over Flood Control Contracts
Community sources revealed that Centerways Construction, one of the contractors involved in recent flood mitigation projects, contributed P30 million to Senator Francis Escudero’s 2022 campaign. Escudero, however, denied any involvement in securing government contracts for the company.
This contractor was among 15 firms that received about 20 percent of the P545-billion budget allocated for flood control efforts, according to government reports. Despite the controversy, DPWH officials maintain that the bidding process was conducted without political bias.
Ensuring Integrity in Government Contracts
Officials continue to stress the importance of transparency and adherence to legal standards in awarding government projects. The NFCC and other stringent qualifications act as safeguards to prevent unqualified firms from winning bids, ensuring public funds are used responsibly.
Secretary Bonoan’s statements aim to reassure the public and stakeholders that the bidding process remains professional and free from political interference. The government remains open to reviewing policies if concerns about political influence arise in the future.
For more news and updates on government bidding process, visit Filipinokami.com.
