In a year-end address that combined holiday goodwill with candid industry assessment, Crimes and Corruption Watch Inc. (CCWI) Vice President Asec. Walter R. Ocampo warned of mounting challenges facing the consultancy and monitoring sector, urging members to remain united as regulatory and market conditions continue to evolve.
Ocampo delivered his message during the CCWI Lecture and Christmas Party, attended by board members, executive directors, and representatives from regional and district offices. The gathering served both as a festive celebration and a strategic forum to prepare the organization for the year ahead.
Regulatory Evolution and Market Pressure
A significant portion of Ocampo’s address focused on anticipated changes within the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), particularly the transition from the Government Procurement Reform Act (RA 9184) to the newly enacted RA 12009. While he noted that roughly 80 to 90 percent of the law’s provisions remain unchanged, Ocampo emphasized that the role and participation of observers—central to CCWI’s mandate—are expected to undergo critical adjustments.
“These changes will directly affect how we perform our functions,” Ocampo said, underscoring the need for vigilance and adaptability as procurement reforms take effect.
Beyond regulatory developments, the Vice President expressed concern over intensifying market pressures, citing drastically reduced project pricing in various District Offices. He warned that such pricing trends could open the door for other contractors to intrude into CCWI-supervised projects, posing a serious threat to the integrity and sustainability of the consultancy sector.
“We have faced a lot of challenges. We have faced a lot of breaking,” Ocampo remarked, acknowledging past difficulties while describing the current pricing competition as a new and formidable obstacle.
Call for Resolve and Institutional Recognition
Despite these pressures, Ocampo reaffirmed the indispensable role of CCWI members as technical experts and independent evaluators on the ground. He stressed that as long as members understand and uphold their responsibilities within DPWH projects, the organization will remain relevant and effective.
“Whatever we see on the site, as long as we are in the DPWH, as long as we know our role, we will not disappear,” he said, expressing confidence in the organization’s expertise and mission.
Ocampo also rallied support behind CCWI Chairman Dr. Carlo Batalla, commending efforts to systematically document the organization’s work and achievements. In highlighting CCWI’s growing stature, he noted that the organization’s influence now extends beyond national boundaries.
“CCWI’s authority is established nationwide, and we are proud to now also receive recognition from the United Nations, expanding our reach to the global stage,” Ocampo said, emphasizing the importance of broader institutional recognition for CCWI’s technical contributions.
Festive Spirit Amid Strategic Reflection
Balancing serious discourse with the celebratory tone of the occasion, Ocampo extended Christmas and New Year greetings to all attendees. He expressed gratitude to the organization’s leadership and staff, including Executive Director Garret Mills and Chairman Carlo Batalla, for their dedication and hard work throughout the year.
He concluded on an optimistic note, expressing hope that everyone would enjoy the Christmas celebration before inviting participants to join a group photograph—symbolizing unity and shared resolve as CCWI looks toward 2026.
The event highlighted CCWI’s commitment to both camaraderie and preparedness, setting the tone for a year expected to be shaped by adaptation, advocacy, and resilience amid ongoing transformation in the public procurement and infrastructure sector.