DICT to Expand AI-Powered Transparency Portals Amid Infrastructure Scam

MANILA, Philippines — In response to ongoing concerns about corruption in infrastructure projects, the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) has announced that more transparency portals will be introduced across various government agencies. The move follows recent launches of similar platforms by the Social Security System (SSS) and PhilHealth.

During a briefing at the presidential palace, DICT Secretary Henry Aguda explained that these portals will leverage artificial intelligence (AI) to enable the public to monitor project progress and the allocation of funds in real time. The initiative follows the model established by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), which implemented its transparency portal after uncovering a large-scale corruption scandal implicating officials and lawmakers in kickback schemes.

"Several agencies have already shown interest in adopting transparency portals," Aguda stated. However, he noted that government-owned or -controlled corporations (GOCCs) are expected to be the first to implement these systems, citing that their data is more accessible due to digital reporting requirements to regulatory bodies.

The scope of information to be included on the portals extends beyond financial tracking. For instance, a transparency platform for the Department of Education (DepEd) would ideally display data on the number of classrooms constructed, while the Department of Health’s (DOH) portal could include statistics on patient numbers in public hospitals.

While no specific timeline was provided for the rollout of portals in executive agencies, Aguda confirmed ongoing discussions with DepEd, DOH, and the Department of Agriculture as part of the government’s broader transparency efforts.