The Philippine Competition Commission (PCC) said on Tuesday its enforcement office has found signs that contractors colluded to pre-select winners and losers for several flood-control contracts under the 1st District Engineering Office of the Department of of Public Works and Highways.
Investigators also flagged the involvement of DPWH personnel who allegedly helped enforce the rigged bidding scheme.
“Evidence gathered indicates that the contractors agreed to rig and manipulate the bidding process by having pre-determined winning and losing bidders,” the PCC said.
“On the other hand, several public officers of the DPWH 1st DEO - Bulacan facilitated and ensured that the bid-rigging arrangement is followed,” it added.
Bid-rigging is illegal because it manipulates public tenders, drives up project costs, and drains taxpayer money that should be used for real infrastructure.
The PCC has referred its initial findings to the Department of Justice, which will now decide whether to pursue a full case build-up or elevate the matter to preliminary investigation.
The competition watchdog said it will continue supporting the probe as the scandal exposes deeper weaknesses in public procurement and governance.
—Edited by Miguel R. Camus
