Renowned urban planner Engineer Felino "Jun" Albano Palafox Jr. criticized President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s declaration of a one-year State of National Calamity, warning that the order could open opportunities for corruption among government officials and contractors.

“I am very concerned about the 1-year state of calamity declared recently. During a state of calamity, no bidding will transpire in government infrastructure projects, which involves contractors, consultants, and suppliers,” Palafox told the DAILY TRIBUNE in a phone interview on Monday.

“We might have a bonanza of corruption again. Members of the media should watch out again for these contractors,” he added.

However, Palafox said he remains hopeful that Public Works and Highways Secretary Vivencio “Vince” Dizon will keep corruption in check in government infrastructure projects, especially those involving flood control.

He suggested adopting artificial intelligence and blockchain technology in budgeting, planning, and implementing projects to strengthen transparency and accountability.

“During his (Dizon) term in the Department of Transportation, there was no corruption there. That is why we are counting on him. And it’s about time to use AI and Blockchain. Because if we used that, the implementation would be forever. Unlike now, the investigation of the Independent Commission on Infrastructure, they are having a hard time when it comes to paper trail,” he said.

The President earlier said the state of calamity declaration aims to accelerate rescue, relief, and rehabilitation efforts and enable faster access to calamity funds.

“That gives us quicker access to some of the emergency funds. Secondly, mapapabilis ang ating procurement so that we don’t have to go through the usual bureaucratic procedures and we can immediately assist the victims,” Marcos said.

Following the onslaught of Typhoon Tino, the Office of the President released a total of P760 million in financial assistance to affected local governments, including P50 million each for Cebu, Capiz, Surigao del Norte, Iloilo, Bohol, and Negros Occidental, among others.