Year-long state of calamity raises need for greater gov't spending oversight

A LAWMAKER urged tighter scrutiny of government spending amid the yearlong state of national calamity, pushing for greater congressional oversight on disbursements on agencies prone to corruption.

- By Kenneth Christiane L. Basilio

Having tighter supervision and greater public participation in bidding processes would help ensure contracts are awarded properly to curb wasteful spending and fund malversation, Party-list Rep. Terry L. Ridon, who heads the House Public Accounts Committee, said on Wednesday.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. placed the Philippines under a yearlong state of national calamity after two successive typhoons in November left hundreds dead and caused billions in damage. This declaration allows authorities to bypass regular bidding and directly negotiate with suppliers.

“We need to be vigilant about it,” he told Business World in an interview. “That’s really our safeguard against agencies and officers who will try to take shortcuts and engage in corrupt practices.”