SENATOR Raffy Tulfo has called on the Department of Education to tighten its screening and accountability measures for private contractors under its school infrastructure projects, warning against repeated failures that have left classrooms defective and unfinished.
In a Senate hearing on basic education chaired by Senator Paolo Benigno “Bam” Aquino, Tulfo expressed concern over the persistent 165,000-classroom backlog projected by 2025.
While supporting public-private partnerships (PPP) to fast-track construction, he cautioned that: “We must implement stricter parameters and clearer guidelines to avoid committing the mistakes of the past.”
The senator took aim at companies previously involved in allegedly flawed projects, singling out BF Corporation and Vicente T. Lao Construction.
He cited BF Corporation’s record of excessive delays in the PSIP Phase 1 and their involvement in the stalled Unified Grand Central Station, adding that “dapat ma-blacklist ang mga non-performing private companies.”
Tulfo also flagged Vicente T. Lao Construction, a bidder in PSIP Phase 2, for its unfinished and substandard P657-million General Santos underpass.
“Tadtad ng depekto kagaya ng potholes, water seepage at un-even pavements,” he said.
He warned: “Let’s not allow these OLD DOGS play dirty TRICKS on us again!”
During the same hearing, Tulfo mentioned fresh concerns over DMCI, alleging falsification of documents tied to condominium projects.
“May mga owners ng condominium na gusto mag-withdraw at gusto kumuha ng refund dahil hindi maganda ang pagkagawa ng kanilang condominium units,” he noted.
He insisted on thorough vetting of all firms joining PPP programs to ensure government funds are not wasted.
Tulfo also emphasized that classrooms are often used as evacuation centers, making it essential that new structures under PSIP 3 be disaster-resistant. DepEd Undersecretary for Strategic Management Ronald Mendoza agreed, saying such standards will be integrated into the program’s next phase.
He further urged DepEd to require a minimum 10-year warranty and maintenance commitment from contractors to prevent parents and teachers from having to cover repair costs themselves.
Mendoza assured the committee that DepEd would impose stricter bidding rules and ensure proper inspections before payments are released.
Tulfo also requested a complete list of flagged or underperforming contractors from previous PSIP phases for potential blacklisting — a move Mendoza committed to act on. Camille P. Balagtas
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