President Bongbong Marcos has launched a transparency portal for the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), positioning it as part of his administration’s wider push to curb corruption in government infrastructure projects.
The initiative follows controversies involving the agency, including a flood control bribery scandal. Marcos described the portal as the “next chapter” in strengthening public oversight and ensuring cleaner implementation of major projects.
“The Transparency Portal is not just a website. It is a promise. This is a digital wall against corruption which will strengthen our belief that the government is open, honest, and listens to the people,” he said.
Marcos urged citizens to take part in monitoring publicly funded infrastructure, saying, “So, let’s encourage every Filipino to intervene, ask questions, and monitor. Let’s use this new portal. Together, let’s build a New Philippines with a better, stronger infrastructure, and full of people’s trust in their government.”
The portal, https://transparency.dpwh.gov.ph/, contains information on all DPWH projects dating back to 2016. According to the agency, it hosts a digital library of 247,172 projects, including details such as implementing office, total project cost, progress rate, and funding source. Each entry includes geotagged photos to verify the existence and location of works.
“We will do full disclosure because everyone has the right to know how the public’s money is spent. Each project has a geotagged photo. Geotag means there is a very specific location. From the beginning, during construction, and until the end, if there is a ghost project, it is easy to see. This is proof that our transparency includes traceability,” Marcos said.
He emphasized immediate government action when irregularities are reported. “We will make sure that if we see something that is not right or against the law, we will take action immediately, especially when it is pointed out to us by our countrymen. That’s why I keep saying, to all our fellow Filipinos, don’t hesitate to report something, report it so we can study, look, assess if there really is a problem or not.”
The portal will also incorporate artificial intelligence to enhance user experience and streamline monitoring.
The public can submit anonymous reports or observations, which the DPWH Office of the Secretary will review, endorse, and act upon.
