Contractors could face financial and legal exposure from individuals offering to secure Philippine Rural Development Project (PRDP) contracts through supposed connections inside the Department of Agriculture (DA), prompting the agency to warn bidders against paying for access or guaranteed projects.
The DA said it received reports of individuals invoking alleged ties to DA officials or employees to create the impression that they could influence procurement or secure preferential treatment.
The warning is particularly aimed at contractors and prospective bidders who may be offered help to “fix” transactions in exchange for money or other consideration.
The DA said one person identifying himself as “Gio” had allegedly made such claims. The agency stressed that no individual is authorized to offer access to or guarantee the award of a PRDP project.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. said contractors should rely on the formal procurement process rather than personal representations.
“There is no such thing as a sure contract for PRDP projects. Everything must go through procurement,” Tiu Laurel said.
The DA urged prospective bidders approached with such offers to verify claims directly with the appropriate government office before making any payment or commitment.
The agency cited Republic Act No. 3019, or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, which provides for liability in certain transactions involving private individuals who improperly use relationships or influence with public officials.
The department said falsely invoking the name or influence of government officials to obtain money, an undue benefit or favorable treatment could expose those involved to administrative, civil or criminal liability.
The DA said such claims could also undermine confidence in government procurement by creating the impression that public projects can be secured through personal connections rather than through competitive bidding and compliance with applicable rules.
PRDP projects are subject to prescribed bidding and evaluation procedures. Personal relationships with DA officials or employees do not entitle any contractor to special treatment or an advantage in bidding.
The DA also rejected claims that projects may have been committed to particular contractors before the formal procurement process, saying any such promise does not constitute an official undertaking of the department.
PRDP is a major rural development program involving infrastructure, enterprise and agricultural investments aimed at improving market access and strengthening rural value chains.
The DA said it remains committed to open, transparent and competitive PRDP procurement and will take appropriate action against individuals who falsely invoke the name or influence of DA officials to misrepresent their access, obtain an undue advantage or mislead contractors and the public.
Agriculture Assistant Secretary U-Nichols A. Manalo, who is also National Project Director for PRDP Scale Up, encouraged the public to report to the following PRDP Scale Up Hotlines and Email Address (Grievance Redress Mechanism
(02) 8273 2474 local 2868 or +63 927 293 1458; Email Address: prdpnpcogrm@gmail.com and PRDP SU Internal Complaints Fact Finding Resolution Committee (ICFRC) (0968) 438 9785) individuals making such claims.
He said providing the DA with photo and video documentation are most welcome as it they could be used as evidence for future prosecution of erring individuals. ### (By DA – OSEC Comms)
