MANILA, Philippines — Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto said there was a need for long-term reforms at the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to curb corruption.

“I understand the need to focus on the conduct of investigations right now,” Sotto said in a statement after attending an investigation by the House of Representatives into alleged anomalies in the government's flood control projects on Tuesday.

He added, however, that this should be "at the right time." “I hope we can also discuss long-term reforms that could minimize chances for corruption,” he said., This news data comes from:http://jyxingfa.com

Among the reforms cited by the Pasig chief executive were stopping widespread subcontracting, requiring full disclosure of DPWH documents such as POWs, BOQs, DUPAs, and bid documents, improving DPWH-LGU coordination, enhancing monitoring of infrastructure projects, and reviewing the PCAB accreditation process.

Sotto said it has become “increasingly difficult to discern the truth” because of powerful groups at play.

On contractor Curlee Discaya, Sotto remarked: “Listen to him carefully and you be the judge. Clearly caught in his own ‘Curlee’s Web’ of lies.”

He also pointed to evidence presented against DPWH engineers in Bulacan, saying photos of money were powerful and suggesting similar issues exist in other districts.

Pasig mayor pushes DPWH reforms to curb corruption

Sotto recalled that in 2016 and 2017, he often shared with young people that a 20-percent “SOP” was the norm in projects, amounting to billions lost.

Based on reasearch POW in construction means Program of Works or the total estimated cost of the project. BOQis a document specifying materials, labor and their cost. DUPAs are the detailed unit price analyses of construction materials for a particular structure or infrastructure.

“Now, we know. We have seen it. The people are waking up,” Sotto said.

He added that whether student, retiree, or anyone in between, everyone has a role to play in demanding better governance.