ASIDE FROM THE ongoing investigation on the alleged anomalous flood control projects, the Department of Public Works and Highways will also be conducting a probe on ‘railroaded’ projects being implemented in several provinces across the country.
According to public works secretary Vivencio ‘Vince’ Dizon, this is part of the agency’s purge of infrastructure development projects which the awarding of bidding, notice to proceed (NTP) and quick payment were discovered to have been ‘railroaded’ through the instigation of some DPWH officials.
Dizon added that these officials will be thoroughly investigated and if proven to have actually facilitated the irregularities will be charged administratively and held accountable with the filing charges against them before the courts.
“What we are seeing here, there is indeed a pattern—almost the same. The consecutive days of bidding, notice to proceed and payment,” he pointed out in reference to the flood control project in Nauajan town in Oriental Mindoro.
“I wouldn’t be surprised if it’s the same in other places,” he added.
The investigation follows the order of President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. who expressed his desire to have those involved and benefited from ghost or substandard flood control projects to be held liable.
Dizon disclosed that they have already received nearly 100 complaints and reports regarding ghost or substandard projects even as he stressed that they are already preparing to take action on the issue by filing cases against those behind the anomalous dealings.