EEI, DMCI sounded out for Maharlika rehab contract

By Ashley Erika O. Jose, Reporter

THE Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) said it will meet with major construction companies for the planned rehabilitation of the Maharlika Highway, with the authorities testing their willingness to take on more government projects usually won by smaller contractors.

“Typically, they do not join government projects, usually they join foreign assisted projects. I want to meet them maybe this week or next week and they have expressed interest to help out in major projects. The highest priority is Daang Maharlika, and (for a major company to) undertake this would be a good sign,” Public Works Secretary Vivencio B. Dizon said in a statement on Tuesday.

The DPWH is set to meet with listed EEI Corp., and D.M. Consunji, Inc. (DMCI), among others, Mr. Dizon said.

“We will no longer hire small companies (for projects like this) because that has become part of the problem. I am talking about the biggest in the country, the likes of DMCI, EEI, and others,” he said, referring to the role played by small but well-connected contractors in last year’s public works corruption scandal.

The DPWH said that if a major construction company undertakes a project, it expects on-time completion and adherence to quality standards.

“We believe that if we do it right, hopefully by the end of 2027 a large portion of Maharlika, from Northern Luzon to Mindanao will be fixed, especially the parts that are always damaged,” he said.

The DPWH said it hopes to start the P16‑billion rehabilitation this year.

The Maharlika Highway, also known as the Pan-Philippine Highway, connects northern Luzon to the Zamboanga Peninsula with ferries linking Bicol and Samar as well as Leyte and Surigao.