The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is considering a “green lane” system for contractors, Public Works Secretary Vivencio Dizon announced Monday, aiming to expedite approvals and payments for critical infrastructure projects and attract reputable firms back into the government contracting space.
Dizon, speaking at the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s (PCCI) 1st General Membership Meeting, said the system would mirror the national “green lane” program established for investors, offering a streamlined process for qualified contractors. “You can have a green lane to speed up the requirements, (to speed up the payment process for contractors),” he stated, adding that the DPWH will collaborate with the PCCI in designing the system.
The initiative comes after a series of corruption scandals, most notably a 2025 scandal involving flood-control contracts, which triggered comprehensive reviews of government works and prompted a search for ways to restore public trust in the DPWH. According to PCCI President Ferdinand Ferrer, the green lane system is crucial for regaining momentum in the infrastructure program. “We saw what happened when they stopped it; our gross domestic product went down,” Ferrer said, referencing the economic impact of the 2025 scandal.
A key objective of the green lane is to incentivize well-managed contractors to participate in public works projects. Dizon believes that increased participation from established, legitimate firms will help rebuild confidence in the department. “Once the considerable contractors and the legitimate contractors join the DPWH, I think (it will help rebuild) trust in the department,” he said.
The DPWH and PCCI are working to establish criteria for identifying legitimate contractors, with Ferrer suggesting a form of accreditation. “Let’s give them a medal that says, ‘You’re now part of the green lane, and we will make your (participation in government projects) easier, including the payments,’” Ferrer proposed.
The proposed green lane system is part of a broader DPWH reform drive, intended to improve efficiency and address systemic corruption in infrastructure spending. The Manila Times reported that Dizon is also eyeing the green lane system to speed up the approval process for critical infrastructure projects.
