THE Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) announced that the flood management initiatives that were ineffective during the intense rains in July or proved to be non-existent will undergo new bidding “at the earliest opportunity.”
“We must fix the initiatives; there’s no alternative, the community requires flood management. We need to fix this. It’s imperative we act quickly,” stated Public Works and Highways Secretary Vivencio “Vince” B. Dizon during a media interaction following a briefing on Tuesday.
Mr. Dizon did not specify the number of flood management initiatives that will be re-auctioned, as the DPWH is still verifying the proper execution of the contracts.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. has been evaluating flood management initiatives, including a so-called “phantom” project valued at P55 million in Baliwag, Bulacan, which had been reported as completed, even though no tangible structures were evident.
In his fourth State of the Nation Address on July 28, Mr. Marcos mandated an inquiry into flood management initiatives, directing the DPWH to provide a complete list of projects from the past three years.
Former Secretary Manuel M. Bonoan indicated that the DPWH has presented a record of over 9,000 projects finalized between July 2022 and May 2025.
He noted that out of the 9,000 projects, 160 have been validated, with 15 identified as “missing or unidentified.”
Mr. Dizon has stated that contractors linked to phantom or subpar projects will be subjected to a lifetime prohibition and legal action.
The President plans to issue an executive order to create an independent entity that will investigate and hold accountable officials and private contractors.
Mr. Dizon mentioned that he will require between 30 and 60 days to revamp the DPWH.
On Monday, he requested voluntary resignations from all DPWH officials to aid in a probe into corruption in substantial flood management initiatives.
“Hopefully, after 30 to 60 days, we will establish (a commission) that we anticipate will be ready to tackle these challenges and progress. It will be a demanding 60 days,” Mr. Dizon expressed. — Ashley Erika O. Jose
