ROXAS: WB DEFERMENT OF RP LOAN DUE TO GRAFT
"A HUGE NATIONAL EMBARRASSMENT"

"The World Bank's decision to defer its infrastructure loan package to the Philippines due to 'strong signs of collusion and excessive pricing' is a huge national embarrassment.

"I support the World Bank's recommendation for a creation of a civil society-led 'Road Watch' group to promote transparency and integrity in the bidding of these projects. Sadly, however, this is also an indication of the need for independent monitors just to ensure that government does its job in an honest and professional manner.

"The executive branch must not be seen as condoning the rigging of projects funded by multilateral organizations such as the World Bank through loans that eventually will be shouldered by the Filipino people.

"A thorough investigation is needed to verify the facts surrounding the failed bids and the circumstances that led World Bank officials to defer the grant of these infrastructure loans. If indeed, Public Works Secretary Hermogenes Ebdane had ordered an early investigation into the three failed bids cited in the World Bank report, then what were his findings?

"The results of his inquiry and any subsequent steps he took to prevent a repeat of such questionable biddings must immediately be made public."