Readers happy with positive news
on fight vs. corruption

THE PHILIPPINE CENTER for Investigative Journalism’s series of stories on ongoing reforms in the bidding of public works contracts generated positive responses from readers already weary of stories of corruption and anomalies.

The PCIJ had just released a two-part report by PCIJ fellow Roel Landingin on how reforms in the Department of Public Works and Highways have enabled the government to save millions of pesos in government contracts. The report also noted how some politicians have remained stumbling blocks in the move for greater transparency and accountability in government contracts.

In the online website alone of media network TV5, 387 of Interaksyon‘s readers have recommended the first story to other readers. As well, several readers have posted positive comments about how the delays in the implementation of public works contracts may be worth it in the end.

Reader JM Daraug from Koronadal said some contractors he talked to confirmed the story. “They said na iba na talaga ang patakaran ngayun. They are really having a true and actual bidding na unlike before.”

Reader Ed Olifernes said it was “a heartwarming news to read. At least flaws in the bidding of contracts are being corrected.”

Reader Jose Roy, who says he is an engineer, remarked: “Ito ang gusto kong balita!”

Not everyone was happy though. Reader Baron Von Doughiestahl called the PCIJ “another pretentious tool of the oligarchs.”

“If the contracts were truly irregular, how come nobody was charged and sent to jail, aber?” Baron said in his comment.

The second part of the story, which dealt with how some local politicians insist on having their cut despite reforms in the DPWH, was recommended by 99 people.