Foreign rivals, welcome! Megawide boss pushes for more competition in PH infrastructure
Megawide Construction Corp. chairman and CEO Edgar Saavedra wants the Philippines to open more infrastructure projects to foreign contractors, warning that relying heavily on local firms could encourage collusion and undermine project delivery.
Saavedra said the government should tap international expertise, particularly for flood-control projects, as the domestic construction industry faces increasingly complex technical requirements.
“But if flood control lang you get international designers. Have a proper procurement process. Transparency,” Saavedra said during an interview on Bilyonaryo News Channel’s Bankero Unfiltered.
The construction magnate acknowledged the potential impact on Megawide but said the country’s infrastructure needs should take precedence.
“It’s against my business. But for the good of the country, kailangan eh. “Pag puro Pilipino nagkakaroon ng kuntsabahan, hilahan. Talangka mentality,” he said.
His comments come amid growing concerns over alleged irregularities in flood-control projects.
Saavedra also urged the government to tighten contractor screening to ensure projects are awarded to firms with the tecnical expertise and resources to deliver.
“Put a proper qualification process,” he said.
Source: Bilyonaryo.com