The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has taken a major step toward accountability with the launch of its new transparency portal, unveiled by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Monday. The initiative comes amid ongoing efforts to combat corruption in government infrastructure projects, particularly in light of past controversies. Marcos described the portal as more than just a website, calling it a “digital wall against corruption” that reinforces public trust in government.
Comprehensive Access to Project Data
“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,” Marcos said in Filipino.
He encouraged citizens to actively use the portal to monitor projects, ask questions, and report irregularities, adding, “Together, let’s build a New Philippines with a better, stronger infrastructure, and full of people’s trust in their government.”
Accessible at https://transparency.dpwh.gov.ph/, the portal provides detailed information on all DPWH projects dating back to 2016. Users can review data on 247,172 projects, including implementing offices, project costs, progress rates, and funding sources.
Each project also features geotagged photos, enabling citizens to verify the exact location and status from start to finish. “We will do full disclosure because everyone has the right to know how the public’s money is spent,” Marcos said.
The system also integrates artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance user experience and allow faster access to project data. The public can submit observations or complaints anonymously, which the DPWH Office of the Secretary will review and act upon. Senators and officials, including Panfilo Lacson, emphasized that the portal empowers citizens to immediately flag irregularities, ensuring accountability in public infrastructure.
Implications for the Public
For everyday Filipinos, the portal provides a tangible way to participate in government oversight, potentially reducing waste and corruption in local projects.
By allowing citizens to monitor infrastructure developments directly, the platform aims to ensure that public funds are spent efficiently, improving the quality of roads, bridges, flood control systems, and other projects that impact daily life nationwide.
