The Department of Public Works and Highways has adopted a three-strike policy procedure that will penalize its erring private contractors who take part in public bidding for national infrastructure projects.
Public works Secretary Rogelio Singson issued Department Order No. 17, enforcing the 3-strike policy that will also apply to suppliers and consultants involved in procurement of goods and services for his department.
For the first strike or violation of bidder, the BAC shall issue first warning; for the second strike, a second warning; for the third strike in a 12 month period, which is considered an offense, the contractor will be suspended from participating in any DPWH bidding process for the period of one (1) year; and, for the second set of 3 strikes, a 2-year suspension.
Singson instructed the DPWH-Bidding and Awards Committee Chairpersons to serve a written notice for every violation of participating bidder, and give them five days to show cause why they should not be sanctioned.
“The BAC will evaluate and determine within seven days if the bidder’s reason is valid. The BAC must also maintain a tally of violations of each bidder and submit notarized reports to the Procurement Service for evaluation,” he said.
The procurement service, on the other hand, will be responsible in monitoring the violations of the 3-strike policy in all procurement undertaken in the entire Department and shall recommend to the Secretary the necessary sanctions in coordination with the Legal Service.
Failure on the part of DPWH- BAC members and other concerned personnel to submit a complete and verified 3-strike report shall also be sanctioned provided for under Civil Service rules and regulations
He said that contractors found to be violating the rules will be blacklisted and face possible criminal charges.
He said contractors doing business with the department must maintain a good track record to be able to continue participating in public biddings.