Duterte Gov’t To Use Drones, Satellite Technology To Detect Ghost Projects In PH

Following the mandate of President Rodrigo Duterte to increase transparency and eliminate corruption, Department of Public Works and Highways Secretary Mark Villar is instituting reforms in the department which includes the national use of a new monitoring system with a built-in geotagging feature.

Secretary Villar has made it his commitment to make full use of drone and satellite technology to counter ghost projects.

“All our regional and district offices are now transitioning to a new monitoring system – the Project and Contract Management Procedures and Application (PCMA), which would have a built-in geotagging feature. When we finish the transition this year, we expect to detect any ghost project real time,” Secretary Villar said.

“Drones are already being used in monitoring the project accomplishment of regional projects. We are now mandating our district offices to adopt the same technology,” he added.

The full transition to PCMA is expected to finish this year.

It would enable geographic identification of photos, videos, and other posts and provide a more accurate measurement of project accomplishments.

“Before Contractor claims could be processed, they would now need to submit geo-tagged photos as well as a geographic-based status report,” Secretary Villar said.

“When we lessen discretion, we eliminate corruption. The use of technology would serve as a strong deterrent against any possible future anomalies,” he added.

Secretary Villar has also ordered the pre-disqualification from future biddings of all contractors, which have incurred negative slippages of 15% or more.

“Time suspensions must not be taken lightly. Projects must be delivered in the soonest possible time. This administration is committed to the optimum use of people’s money. Safeguards will be put in place to ensure complete elimination of ghost projects,” Secretary Villar said.

Source: Manila Standard