DPWH: Integrity pledge a new requirement in bidding

Aside from the usual paperwork, the Department of Public Works and Highways will now require an "integrity pledge" from prospective contractors for public works projects.

 

DPWH Secretary Rogelio Singson said civil works contractors will be required to take the pledge, which will be good for one year.

 

"The pledge to be made by chief executive officer or managing owner of construction firm as a service commitment of his/her company is consistent with the policy on the procurement and execution of contracts for Infrastructure, Goods and Services as set forth in Section II, Clause 3.1 of the Philippine Bidding Documents ... and as an agreement with Business Groups and Transparency International," the DPWH said.

 

The pledge will be entered in the DPWH Registry of Contractors.

 

It will form part of the documents needed to participate in the public bidding of infrastructure projects for the specific year.

 

Singson said the new requirement is contained under Department Order 86 dated September 24, 2013.

 

The Integrity Pledge requirement will be published in the Official Gazette print edition on October 28.

 

Pledge

 

Under the pledge, a contractor promises to shun corruption or red tape and must support the DPWH's efforts with professionalism and ethical standards.

 

"The rule requires commitment to promote healthy competition and not engage in collusion and rigging during the bidding process," the DPWH said.

 

Also, the constructors must give an assurance of value-for-money bid offers through reasonable pricing of profit and project costing.

 

They will also maintain only one book of accounts containing accurate and transparent financial reports and instilling internal controls and systems for good governance and accountability.

 

Signatories also will be available for dialogues with DPWH and fellow contractors.  — ELR, GMA News