Sen. Bong Go asserts support for bill banning contractors with government ties, calls for stronger accountability in infrastructure projects

During the Senate deliberations on the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) 2026 budget on Monday, October 20, Go emphasized that such reforms are essential to curbing corruption and restoring the public’s trust in government spending.

The senator co-authored Senate Bill No. 783 filed by Senator Francis Escudero, stressing that it aims to prevent conflicts of interest that have long plagued public construction contracts.

"Sumuporta po ako at co-author ng panukalang batas na magbabawal sa mga contractor na may kaugnayan sa mga opisyal ng gobyerno na makilahok sa mga proyekto ng pamahalaan,” Go said.

“Ito ay isang hakbang para matigil ang sistematikong katiwalian na nagiging dahilan kung bakit nasasayang ang pondo ng bayan,” he added.

The bill is an anti-conflict-of-interest measure that builds on the newly enacted Republic Act No.12009, or the New Government Procurement Act.

It covers transactions for supplies, infrastructure, joint ventures, and public-private partnerships, with narrow carve-outs for engagements deemed highly technical, proprietary, or confidential.

Go made the statement as he questioned the DPWH about continuing irregularities in flood control and other infrastructure projects allegedly used as avenues for corruption. He urged DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon to take decisive action against those responsible and ensure that future contracts uphold transparency and fairness.

“Mr. Chair, the DPWH is now in the test of public scrutiny,” Go said. “Kaliwa’t kanang batikos ang natatanggap ng departamento matapos mabunyag ang mga iregularidad, korapsyon, katiwalian, at kapalpakan sa mga proyekto at imprastraktura, lalo na sa usapin ng flood control projects na dapat sana ay nagpoprotekta sa ating mga kababayan laban sa baha at kalamidad, pero naging lugar ng katiwalian.”

The senator underscored that the fight against corruption requires structural reform, not just individual punishment. He cited his support for legislative safeguards, including the bill, to institutionalize accountability across all levels of government procurement.

“Ang mga proyekto ng gobyerno ay dapat na maglingkod sa taumbayan, hindi sa mga negosyanteng malapit sa kapangyarihan,” Go said. “Kaya kailangan ng malinaw na batas na magbabawal sa mga may koneksyon sa opisyal ng gobyerno na makakuha ng kontrata.”

Go added that he is “one with the Filipino people” in calling for accountability from both public officials and private contractors. “Let us hold all those responsible for this mess accountable. Accountability must cut across all sectors, from contractors and implementers to proponents and legislators,” he declared.