DPWH races against time to beat election project ban

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is now racing against time to complete priority road projects of the government before the Commission on Elections (Comelec) enforces a ban on infrastructure programs when the campaign period for the local elections starts on March 30.

Under Comelec guidelines, the DPWH will not be allowed to bid or release funds or award new projects 45 days before and after a local election.

Acting Public Works and Highways Secretary Manuel Bonoan clarified, however, that "for ongoing projects, especially those undertaken before the Comelec ban, there will be no effect."

"As of now, we are still trying to discuss several projects which we plan to undertake before the ban," he said, adding that maintenance works are normally exempted from the ban.

"The essence of the ban, I think, is just to prevent candidates from using road projects in their campaign," he said.

As specified in Comelec rules, Bonoan said they can also undertake new infrastructure projects, provided they were approved or started before the infrastructure ban.

"What is important is for us to be able to start some vital projects before the infrastructure ban so we will not be affected by it. We have several ongoing programs that we cannot finish before the election ban but we will pursue the projects that we have started before March 29," he said.

The summer months are "the best time do road repairs, maintenance and rehabilitation because of the prevailing weather," he said.

Bonoan earlier directed all DPWH employees to strictly abide by the Comelec guidelines in implementing infrastructure projects.

In a memorandum, Bonoan mobilized DPWH regional and project directors to strictly enforce the provisions of Comelec Resolution No. 7785 or the Rules and Regulations Governing Public Works Ban and Release, Disbursement and Expenditures of Public Funds in connection with the May 14 elections.

"We will assure that public works projects will not be used in the campaign of any national or local officials by strictly enforcing the public works ban of the Comelec, which will take effect on March 30," he said.

Bonoan also ordered DPWH regional and project directors to submit certified lists of all ongoing projects, similar projects under foreign agreements, and those undertaken by contract through public bidding or negotiated contract awarded before March 30, which will all be included in the Comelec’s list of authorized public works projects.

"Any public works not included in the list and not among the exceptions under Section 261, sub-section (v) of the Omnibus Election Code, shall be considered as falling under the public works ban," Bonoan said.