Public-private partnerships (PPPs) are the preferred mechanism for delivering large-scale government infrastructure, Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla and Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon said, citing what they described as the DPWH’s poor track record in completing quality government buildings.
“Kaya PPP ‘yan. ‘Pag binigay mo sa DPWH, iba na naman hitsura niyan,” Remulla said on his radio program on August 15, referring to the ₱9-billion University of the Philippines – Philippine General Hospital (UP-PGH) Cancer Center project, which he said failed to attract bidders.
Remulla also cited the Bureau of Immigration (BI) headquarters project, where more than ₱8 billion has been spent despite 10 years of construction, and a flood control project in Cebu where the proposed 63-meter waterway width was allegedly reduced to 25 meters.
He urged the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to consider buying an existing private building instead of constructing a new headquarters.
“Ang sabi ko nga kay (NBI director) Melvin Matibag, huwag niyo na ituloy ang building ng NBI, bumili na lang kayo ng building… Ang pangit ng lalabas diyan.”
Remulla said older private buildings often offer better quality than newly built government structures.
“I-compare mo ngayon ‘yung mga buildings na pinagbibili kaysa sa mga ipapagawa natin. Hindi kayang gawin ng gobyerno ‘yung quality. Mura pa, ang ganda ng building… Bumili ka na lang sa private sector. Parang PPP rin ‘yan in reverse.”
“We have to take a cue from the quality of work that happens with government projects… As it is right now, wala tayong maasahan sa (DPWH),” he added.
Dizon backs PPPs
Dizon said he fully agrees with Remulla’s position, saying PPPs remain the better option until the DPWH’s internal systems and culture are reformed.
“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.”
He added: “I have always been a strong, consistent advocate of PPPs whenever they are viable. Through PPPs, we can guarantee timeliness, high quality, and cost efficiency—standards that the public deserves.”
Dizon also criticized the BI headquarters project.
“In fact, nagalit talaga ako noong nalaman ko ‘yung delay sa Bureau of Immigration building project. 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 he would personally discuss the NBI building project with NBI Director Melvin Matibag.
“DPWH is more than willing to discontinue the current project so that the NBI can explore far better, more practical options for its headquarters.”
CAISS cited as PPP example
The proposed Civil Aviation and Immigration Security Services (CAISS) project was cited as an example of a PPP initiative under the Bureau of Immigration.
According to the BI, the ₱10.74-billion project seeks to modernize immigration and border security systems in 11 international airports through artificial intelligence, biometrics, real-time data processing, criminal record searches, and deception detection.
The BI said the project would be fully financed through minimal user fees and includes a guaranteed technology refresh every four years to prevent systems from becoming outdated because of procurement delays.
Unlike traditional government-funded projects, CAISS is designed to comply with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards. ICAO is a United Nations specialized agency based in Montreal, Canada, that sets global standards for international civil aviation.
“Ang kagandahan po nitong proyektong ito ay end-to-end,” BI spokesperson Dana Sandoval said in previous interviews, describing the project as a partnership that combines private-sector innovation with government oversight.
If approved, CAISS would cover the country’s major international gateways, including NAIA, Clark, Davao, Mactan-Cebu, Boracay, Iloilo, Kalibo, Laoag, Bohol-Panglao, Puerto Princesa, and Zamboanga airports.
PPPs as an interim solution
The CAISS model reflects the type of partnership Remulla and Dizon said they envision, where the private sector assumes construction, operations, and maintenance risks while the government focuses on policy, regulation, and public welfare.
Both officials argued that PPPs can help address delays, improve quality, and reduce costs while the DPWH undergoes reforms.
An economist said PPPs are becoming essential for the Philippines because they ease pressure on public finances, accelerate infrastructure delivery, shift financial and operational risks to the private sector, and help ensure services meet international standards.
When structured properly, the economist said, PPPs can turn government infrastructure projects into long-term public assets rather than fiscal liabilities.
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