The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) is lobbying for the creation of a green lane for qualified public works contractors to speed up infrastructure development and streamline government bidding processes.
PCCI president Ferdinand Ferrer said the proposal would replicate the fast-track investment program introduced by the Board of Investments (BOI) which streamlined procedures for foreign investors.
The initiative is intended to help contractors mobilize faster and allow stalled projects to restart immediately to support economic growth, he said.
The proposed green lane would provide accredited contractors with quicker permit processing, simplified bidding procedures and predictable payment schedules from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).
Ferrer said some contractors face delays in receiving payments from the agency even after funds have been released.
PCCI is coordinating with the Philippine Constructors Association and the Philippine Contractors Accreditation Board to establish stricter standards for the program. These measures are designed to ensure only reputable firms qualify for the expedited process.
To further bolster transparency, the business group is supporting a blockchain-based portal developed with the DPWH to track projects from the bidding stage through to completion.
Ferrer said the platform currently covers projects funded by international partners like the Japan International Cooperation Agency and the World Bank but will eventually expand to include locally funded works.
“Every centavo can be tracked, including project progress. The objective is to restore credibility and strengthen accountability,” Ferrer said during the group’s first general membership meeting Monday.
The chamber is also preparing to sign an integrity partnership with the DPWH, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines and local government leaders to enhance monitoring and governance of national infrastructure projects.
