PRESS RELEASE
18 November 2025

PCC refers bid-rigging case to DOJ for evaluation

PCC, through its Competition Enforcement Office headed by Director Christian Loren De Los Santos (4th from left), refers to DOJ, through Undersecretary Jesse Hermogenes Andres (3rd from left), possible criminal charges involving alleged bid-rigging in flood control projects in Bulacan on November 14, 2025.

The Philippine Competition Commission (PCC), through its Competition Enforcement Office (CEO), has referred to the Department of Justice (DOJ) its initial findings involving bid-rigging in flood control projects in Bulacan. The referral was filed on November 14.

Upon evaluation of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) referral and information obtained during the conduct of motu proprio preliminary inquiry pursuant to Section 31 of the Philippine Competition Act (PCA) and Article I, Rule II of the PCC Rules of Procedure, the CEO has found possible violation of Section 14(a)(2) of the PCA or bid-rigging involving certain flood control contracts at the DPWH 1st District Engineering Office (DEO) - Bulacan. Evidence gathered indicates that the contractors agreed to rig and manipulate the bidding process by having pre-determined winning and losing bidders. On the other hand, several public officers of the DPWH 1st DEO - Bulacan facilitated and ensured that the bid-rigging arrangement is followed.

Bid-rigging, a prohibited practice under the law, occurs when bidders collude to manipulate the outcome of public procurement. Such conduct undermines competition, deprives the public of fair value, and wastes government resources.

Pursuant to DOJ Department Circular (DC) No. 015 dated July 16, 2024, in relation to DC No. 20 dated March 31, 2023, the DOJ will then evaluate the referral and recommend either the conduct of further case build-up or proceed to preliminary investigation.

PCC will continue to support the process and uphold its mandate to safeguard competitive markets and protect public interest.

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REFERENCE:  
publicaffairs@phcc.gov.ph  
Public Affairs and Research Division
Communications and Knowledge Management Office
Philippine Competition Commission