Duterte-linked Firm Awarded P35.8M in Davao Government Contracts

MANILA, Philippines – A corporation linked to Vice President Sara Duterte has been awarded 49 government contracts totaling P35.8 million in the Davao Region, primarily for food services, a Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System (PhilGEPS) official said on Tuesday. Rendell Sopeña, chief of the PhilGEPS Electronic Government Procurement Operations Division, confirmed the details of the contracts, which were awarded to the firm by various government offices in the Davao Region. The revelation raises questions about transparency and fairness in government procurement processes. In the Philippines, allegations of cronyism in awarding government contracts to politically connected firms are not uncommon and have often led to public scrutiny. The involvement of a company linked to the Vice President, a high-ranking official, amplifies concerns. The Davao Region is a stronghold for the Duterte political family, and the awarding of these contracts could be seen as indicative of strong local political ties. Such practices have been criticized for potentially hindering fair market competition and leading to inefficient resource allocation. There is an ongoing call for greater transparency in procurement procedures to ensure a level playing field. Source: Inquirer NewsInfo