Senator Win Gatchalian denounced the awarding of big-ticket flood-control projects to undercapitalized contractors, urging the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to identify the members of the bids and awards committee who approved the contracts.

“Submit to us the exact names. We need to know kung sino ‘yung mga taong nag-a-award ng mga proyekto. We demand accountability,” Gatchalian said during a recent Senate inquiry.

The Finance Committee Chairperson voiced his frustration, stressing that if a contractor is undercapitalized, it will obviously cut corners, leading to substandard project results.

“Meron talagang mga tao na nilalaro ang pre-qualification stage ng procurement. There is some form of collusion or corruption in awarding the contracts to contractors who are not adequately capitalized. Paano nangyari na ang isang underfunded contractor ay nakakuha ng malaking  kontrata?” Gatchalian asked DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan, citing how a contractor with only ₱1.2 million in capitalization was awarded a ₱1.5-billion project.

Gatchalian also pressed the DPWH to explain how it determines the minimum capitalization required for contractors to qualify for certain projects. “Who reviews the capability and capitalization of these companies?” he asked.