By Dean Aubrey Caratiquet
“Talagang nakaka-galit ito.”
In his inspection of a flood control project in Brgy. Tagumpay, Naujan, Oriental Mindoro on Tuesday, Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon spotted major structural problems related to systemic lapses within the agency.
Secretary Dizon said, accompanied by Oriental Mindoro Governor Humerlito Dolor, “Clearly, hindi siya ghost. Mayroon naman, pero ang dami ko nakikita agad na major na problem hindi lang sa paggawa kung hindi sa proseso. Dito na tayo pupunta dun sa structural at systemic problem sa loob ng DPWH.”
The flood control project was found to have foundations buried at a depth of three meters instead of 12 meters, which was indicated in its construction plan.
Dizon immediately ordered the cessation of its construction to prevent further wastage of government funds, and called for an explanation from the former regional director behind the flood control project in Brgy. Tagumpay.
Gov. Dolor said of the flood control project, “Itong stretch na ito seven projects. Limang phase. Pare-pareho ng amount at pare-pareho ng lugar. Bakit pa chinap-chop e iisa lang naman ang contractor, iisa ang date of bidding, iisa ang date of award, iisa ang date of contract, iisa ang date of notice to proceed at iisa ang date of received ng company?”
Among the three contractors involved in its construction were St. Timothy Construction Corp., Elite General Contractor and Development Corp., and Sunwest Construction and Development Corp.
Secretary Dizon said of Gov. Dolor’s further revelations about the flawed flood control project, “Talagang nakaka-galit ito. Blatant violation ito ng contract terms eh. Sobrang nahihirapan ang mga kababayan natin na dumaranas parati ng matinding baha tapos itong proyekto na dapat na magprotekta sa kanila, hindi kayang gampanan ‘yon.”
Dizon to probe ‘pattern’ on ghost and anomalous flood control projects
At the same ocular inspection, the Public Works chief found three non-existent flood control projects in the same locale despite being enlisted in the 2025 General Appropriations Act (GAA).
These ‘ghost’ projects are supposedly located along the shores of Panggalan River, Tubig River, and Catuiran River.
Meanwhile, Secretary Dizon vowed to ensure that agency officials and contractors involved in this conundrum will be held liable, noting the discovery of a pattern in the rigged process of awarding bids, issuing of notice to proceed (NTP), and expediting payments to contractors.
Dizon declared, “Ang nakikita natin dito, mayroon talagang pattern. Halos pare-pareho. ‘Yung magkakasunod na araw ng bidding, notice to proceed at payment. Hindi ako magtataka sa ibang lugar na ganun din.”
This, as he noted, 100 complaints that were received by the agency regarding ghost or substandard public works projects, which he pledged to act upon swiftly.
These developments are in accordance with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s mandate of weeding the DPWH of corrupt officials, and ensuring accountability on this pressing national concern.
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