By Wilnard Bacelonia | Philippine News Agency
The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is set to publish an initial list of ghost and severely substandard projects within one to two weeks through a transparency portal, as the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) takes over the filing of cases against those involved, DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon said Thursday.
During the resumption of the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee probe into flood control anomalies, Dizon told senators the online platform would be patterned after the “Sumbong sa Pangulo” website to ensure accessibility for the public.
“Gusto po namin magbuo ng isang transparency portal… para mai-publish na ho natin unang-una iyong mga reported at kung anu-ano po ang mga aksiyon na ginagawa ng DPWH ngayon para mapanagot ang mga dapat managot,” he said.
The portal will identify project locations, contractors, proponents, and DPWH personnel implicated in anomalous transactions.
At the same hearing, Dizon clarified that while the DPWH previously filed complaints directly with the Office of the Ombudsman, the ICI—constituted under an executive order of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.— will now file all future cases.
“From now on, the ICI will file the cases with the Ombudsman or the courts,” he said.
Dizon added initial complaints had been filed before the commission’s creation, but subsequent investigations and evidence will be endorsed to the ICI for prosecution.
Fines, bonds vs. contractors
Meanwhile, Senators Bam Aquino and Francis Pangilinan on Thursday urged that contractors behind anomalous flood control projects be slapped with both legal and financial sanctions.
Aquino said the Philippine Competition Act provides fines of P100 million to P250 million per offense for bid-rigging.
“Importante sa taumbayan hindi lang na may makulong… pero mabalik rin iyong pera,” he said, noting that penalties could reach P150 billion.
Pangilinan pressed the government to enforce warranties and performance bonds.
“Dapat silang parusahan sa kasong kriminal pero dapat din silang parusahan doon sa pinansyal… sabi nga nila, ‘You hit them where it hurts’.”
Dizon said warranty claims are underway and vowed to work with the Philippine Competition Commission on further action.
DOJ to begin filing ‘ghost’ project cases in 40 days
Department of Justice (DOJ) Sec. Jesus Crispin Remulla, meanwhile, assured the public that the DOJ would begin filing cases within 40 to 60 days against those involved in ghost projects linked to corruption in public works.
During the Senate hearing, Remulla said five cases had been endorsed to the National Bureau of Investigation, while other complaints prepared by DPWH were transmitted directly to the Office of the Ombudsman.
“We make that commitment to the Filipino people. Hindi namin pababayaan ang kasong ito at we will pursue it to the very end,” Remulla said.
He said the first set of cases would cover “ghost” projects, to be followed by investigations into substandard projects.
The DOJ is also pursuing the conspiracy angle, citing collusion among DPWH officials, contractors, legislators, and other individuals.
“This is like a conspiracy between some people from the DPWH, contractors, and legislators. And probably some other people also,” he said.
Remulla said due process requires time to build airtight cases.
“Forty would be the fastest. And at sixty would be safe,” he said, noting the need to issue subpoenas, secure affidavits, and prepare evidence before filing.
On the coordination with the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI), Remulla admitted no formal talks have been held yet but said this would be addressed to avoid duplication.
“Madali na po iyon kasi kaibigan ko si Secretary Singson,” he added, referring to former DPWH secretary Rogelio Singson, one of the members of the ICI.
