Timeline: The road to the World Bank controversy
Research by Jesus Llanto (Newsbreak)
February 2000—The World Bank approves the $150-million National Roads Improvement and Management Program-1, which is to be implemented from February 2000-March 2007.
2003—Signs of procurement problems are identified in the NRIMP-1 by the World Bank.
Between 2003 and 2006—The World Bank rejects two large contracts in three rounds of bidding after it discovers “strong signs of collusion and excessive pricing” among several construction firms. It reports this observation to the Integrity Vice President (INT) that conducts an investigation on the issue.
November 2007—The World Bank’s Integrity Vice President (INT) closes its investigation and a referral report, which contains summary of the INT’s findings, is issued. Findings of the investigation show “evidence of a major cartel involving local and international companies bidding on the NRIMP-1 contracts.”
November 16, 2007—The Department of Finance, according to Secretary Margarito Teves, receives the copy of the referral report of the World Bank.
November 19, 2007—The Department of Finance sends the World Bank report to the Office of the Ombudsman.
May 2008—Notice of sanctions proceedings are received by the companies involved in the World Bank probe.
May 13, 2008—The second phase of the NRIMP is approved by the WB Board of Directors. The new project contains a more comprehensive set of anti-corruption measures.
