𝗥𝗲𝗺𝘂𝗹𝗹𝗮, 𝗗𝗶𝘇𝗼𝗻 𝗯𝗮𝗰𝗸 𝗣𝗣𝗣𝘀 𝗮𝘀 𝗯𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗼𝗽𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗴𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗶𝗻𝗳𝗿𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘂𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲

Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) may offer a better and more reliable way of delivering large-scale government infrastructure projects, according to Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla and Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon.

The two officials pointed to concerns over the quality, cost, and delays surrounding several government construction projects, saying the private sector could provide more efficient alternatives.

Remulla raised the issue during his radio program on August 15 while discussing the P9-billion UP-PGH Cancer Center Project, which reportedly failed to attract bidders.

“Kaya PPP ’yan. ’Pag binigay mo sa DPWH, iba na naman hitsura niyan,” Remulla said.

He also cited the Bureau of Immigration (BI) building, where more than P8 billion has reportedly been spent on a project that has been ongoing for about a decade. He likewise mentioned a flood control project in Cebu where the proposed 63-meter waterway width was reduced to 25 meters.

Remulla also suggested that the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) consider buying an existing private building rather than proceeding with the construction of a new headquarters.

“Bumili ka na lang sa private sector. Parang PPP rin ’yan in reverse,” he said, arguing that privately developed buildings could offer better quality at a lower cost.

𝗗𝗶𝘇𝗼𝗻 𝗯𝗮𝗰𝗸𝘀 𝗣𝗣𝗣 𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗮𝗰𝗵

Dizon said he agrees with Remulla, particularly for large and complex infrastructure projects.

“Until the internal systems and culture within the DPWH are thoroughly reformed, Public-Private Partnerships remain the far better option for large-scale, complex infrastructure like government buildings,” Dizon said.

He said PPPs can help ensure timely project delivery, quality construction, and cost efficiency.

“Through PPPs, we can guarantee timeliness, high quality, and cost efficiency—standards that the public deserves,” Dizon added.

Dizon also expressed concern over the delayed BI building, saying he was particularly disappointed by its design and implementation.

“The design is so poorly executed that the driveway can barely accommodate normal-sized vehicles. This is unacceptable, and it highlights the exact structural problems,” he said.

On the proposed NBI headquarters, Dizon said he would personally discuss with NBI Director Melvin Matibag the possibility of pursuing other options.

“DPWH is more than willing to discontinue the current project so that the NBI can explore far better, more practical options for its headquarters,” he said.

𝗖𝗔𝗜𝗦𝗦 𝗰𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗮𝘀 𝗣𝗣𝗣 𝗺𝗼𝗱𝗲𝗹

The proposed Civil Aviation and Immigration Security Services (CAISS) project of the BI has also emerged as an example of how PPPs could be used to modernize government services.

The P10.74-billion project seeks to modernize 11 international airports through artificial intelligence, biometrics, real-time data processing, criminal record searches, and deception detection technologies.

The project is designed to be financed through minimal user fees and includes a four-year technology refresh cycle intended to keep the system updated.

BI spokesperson Dana Sandoval previously described the project as an “end-to-end” system, emphasizing the role of private-sector technology and expertise alongside government regulation and oversight.

If approved, CAISS would cover major international gateways, including Ninoy Aquino International Airport, Clark, Davao, Mactan-Cebu, Boracay, Iloilo, Kalibo, Laoag, Bohol-Panglao, Puerto Princesa, and Zamboanga.

The proposed model would allow the private sector to take on construction, operation, maintenance, and other project risks while the government focuses on regulation, oversight, and public welfare.

𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗣𝗣𝗣𝘀 𝗺𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿

The push for PPPs comes as the government faces growing infrastructure needs while dealing with limited fiscal space and lengthy procurement processes.

Supporters say PPPs can reduce pressure on the national budget, speed up project implementation, transfer certain financial and operational risks to private partners, and bring private-sector expertise and innovation into public services.

For Remulla and Dizon, PPPs could serve as a practical option while the government works to address longstanding problems within its own infrastructure delivery systems.

The broader challenge, however, remains ensuring that PPPs are properly structured, transparently implemented, and designed to protect public interest.

For a country with major infrastructure requirements, PPPs could provide government with another way to deliver projects faster, more efficiently, and at standards expected by the public.