Marcos launches infra portal dubbed as 'digital wall vs corruption'

November 30 ------ President Marcos has unveiled the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) transparency portal, which he branded as a digital wall against corruption related to the implementation of infrastructure projects in the country.

Marcos announced the rollout of the portal on Monday afternoon, Nov. 24, stressing that it was a part of the government's response to the massive flood control corruption. "Ito mas komprehensibo sa ating Sumbong sa Pangulo website dahil talagang napakarami na ang impormasyon," Marcos said. "Ang Transparency Portal ay hindi lang isang website. Ito ay isang pangako. Ito ay isang sagot na digital na pader laban sa korapsyon," Marcos added.

Under the portal, which can be accessed at https://transparency.dpwh.gov.ph/, the public is given access to all ongoing, under procurement, completed, terminated, and awaiting implementation projects under the DPWH. According to Marcos, the public can access all information about a certain project through the portal. They can also watch the live bidding process on the website.

Every project also contains geotagged photos to allow the public to check the legitimacy and accuracy of a certain project. "Ito ay isang sistema na ating binuo upang kahit sino – kahit sino hindi kailangang opisyal – kahit sino na kung nais nilang maghanap na impormasyon tungkol sa isang project, tungkol sa project doon sa kanilang lugar ay maaari nilang gawin," Marcos said in a press conference.

Like in the Sumbong sa Pangulo website, the public can also report any irregularity through the portal. In launching the portal, the President hoped that it would bring the people's trust to the government. "I hope that this will satisfy our need and our desire that with the process now, that people have no faith in, na walang katiwa-tiwala ngayon ang taong-bayan – hindi mo naman sila masisi pero wala silang tiwala sa sistema ngayon – ay sana naman ito ay maibalik natin ang kumpiyansa ng ating mga kababayan sa ating pamahalaan," Marcos said. "I know it is just the first step, but it is just the first step. We will keep going on this," he added.

The transparency portal was developed in about two months with support from private sector technology partners and the Philippine Space Agency, which will provide satellite images. The portal search and filtering functionality allows users to browse or search for projects and narrow results by specific criteria.

Project details, including images, geographic data, and downloadable copies of contract documents, and the status of contracts and projects, will be uploaded every month. The system will also use artificial intelligence (AI) to deliver a faster, more efficient user experience. According to Marcos, the DPWH Office of the Secretary will review, endorse, and act upon the reports or observations submitted by the public.

Source: mb.com.ph