Blacklist looms for more builders involved in flood-control projects

THE Department of Budget and Management (DBM) said it will declare more flood-control contractors ineligible to participate in government procurement once the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) compiles its blacklist.

In a statement on Monday, Budget Secretary Amenah F. Pangandaman said its Procurement Service (PS) is awaiting a DPWH order barring the contractors from future projects before removing them from the Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System (PhilGEPS).

Already removed are SYMS Construction Trading and Wawao Builders, both barred by the DPWH last week after their alleged involvement in “ghost” infrastructure projects, which turned out to be non-existent despite being classified as completed.

“Our New Government Procurement Act… grants the implementing agency the authority to blacklist their contractors. This process is clear and follows due procedure,” Ms. Pangandaman said. “We are ready to cancel the PhilGEPS membership of these companies to prevent them from participating in government procurement activities.”

Last week, the PS also revoked the PhilGEPS “platinum” membership of nine companies linked to Cezarah Rowena Discaya, a former candidate for Pasig mayor.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. ordered the blacklisting of contractors proven to be behind “ghost” flood control projects.

Flood-control contractors have been in the spotlight since the July floods after their projects failed or were found to be substandard, unfinished, or non-existent.

PhilGEPS is the official platform for all government procurement.

“We at PS are aware of our responsibility to support other branches and employees of the government to ensure that there is no corruption… in public procurement,” PS Executive Director Genmaries Entredicho-Caong said.

Ms. Pangandaman met last week with Public Works Secretary Vivencio B. Dizon to review the DPWH budget for 2026. — Katherine K. Chan