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DPWH Bidding Irregularities: Losing Bidders Received 'Salaries' – State Witness
A state witness, a former undersecretary of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), testified before the Sandiganbayan that contractors who were intentionally made to lose in rigged bids for DPWH projects received 'salaries' for their participation, revealing a common industry practice.
MANILA, Philippines — Contractors who played the role of losing bidders in fake biddings for Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) projects earned “salary” for the trouble, state witness Roberto Bernardo told the Sandiganbayan Third Division on Tuesday. Bernardo, a former DPWH undersecretary, revealed the industry practice as he returned to the witness stand. Bernardo, who was part of a special committee that investigated corruption and malpractices in the DPWH, said he discovered the irregularity. "The practice was that some contractors would be made to lose in the bidding," he said. He added that these contractors were paid "salaries" for their role. Bernardo’s testimony is part of the ongoing investigation into alleged corruption within the DPWH, which has been a subject of public scrutiny for years due to numerous infrastructure projects and their associated contracts.
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Inquirer NewsInfo