The Philippines’ largest business group is offering to partner with the government in fighting corruption through project monitoring.
At yesterday’s Philippine Business Conference and Expo, the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) told Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon that the private sector can aid the government’s anti-corruption drive.
‘We consulted our area vice presidents and different groups. Not just the PCCI, but all the other associations. We want to be together in this to help,’ said PCCI chairman for science and technology Ferdinand Ferrer.
The PCCI can enter into an agreement with the Department of Public Works and Highways to engage with the DPWH’s citizen participatory audit, he noted.
Dizon said the DPWH’s problems are systemic and changing personnel would be insufficient.
State officials should end the unabated, continuing and excessive corruption by instituting strict monitoring, transparency and accountability mechanisms across all levels of governance, the PCCI said.
Investing in artificial intelligence and emerging digital technologies will enhance efficiency, transparency and effectiveness in public service delivery, the group asserted.
AI tools can be used in evaluating and studying government projects, Ferrer said.
Blockchain would be effective in protecting documents, he added.
As for the bidding process, Ferrer said the government can use the private sector’s procurement tools.
Dizon said the government is planning to launch a transparency portal.