SENATOR Raffy Tulfo on Monday stressed the need for stricter scrutiny in the bidding process for Public-Private Partnership (PPP) classroom projects to ensure the timely construction of quality school facilities nationwide.

During the Senate Committee on Basic Education hearing, Tulfo called for the enforcement of tighter parameters and clearer guidelines in evaluating contractors participating in PPP programs.

“We must enforce stricter parameters and clearer guidelines to avoid past mistakes—delays, substandard construction, and awarding projects to unqualified contractors,” Tulfo said.

The senator flagged issues involving classroom projects constructed by BF Corporation and Vicente T. Lao Construction, companies he previously cited in his September 2025 privilege speech regarding the allegedly defective P657-million General Santos City underpass project.

Tulfo said these firms should be blacklisted from future government contracts.

He also raised concerns over DMCI, emphasizing the importance of thorough vetting of private entities joining PPP initiatives to ensure proper project execution, safeguard public funds, and guarantee the timely delivery of classrooms.

Despite his criticisms, Tulfo commended the Senate Committee on Basic Education for pushing education reforms and supporting the proposed Classroom Acceleration Program Act, which aims to address the country’s persistent classroom shortage.