DPWH to Charge Wawao Builders for Bogus Bulacan Project
VINCE DIZON – The newly appointed Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary announced that he will recommend filing criminal charges against Wawao Builders for their involvement in a ₱96.5 million ghost project in Plaridel, Bulacan.
Dizon personally inspected the questionable project site on Thursday, September 4, where he confirmed several irregularities. Alongside the charges, he also plans to blacklist the construction firm from participating in any future DPWH projects.
Dizon further revealed that he has requested the Department of Justice (DOJ) to issue an Immigration Lookout Bulletin Order (ILBO) against more than 20 individuals, including DPWH officials and contractors allegedly linked to fraudulent flood control projects. This order will prevent them from leaving the country while investigations are ongoing.
The list includes key DPWH officials such as Assistant Regional Director Henry C. Alcantara, District Engineer Brice Ericson D. Hernandez, and several other engineers and administrative staff. It also covers executives from multiple construction companies, including Wawao Builders, Legacy Construction Corporation, Alpha & Omega General Contractor, Sunwest Inc., Hi-Tone Construction, and others.
In his letter to DOJ Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla, Dizon emphasized the urgency of the order to ensure a smooth and uninterrupted investigation. He also requested that immigration authorities immediately inform the DPWH and law enforcement agencies if any of the individuals attempt to travel abroad.
Justice Secretary Remulla confirmed that he will sign the order immediately, noting that those involved might try to flee to avoid accountability.
This move is part of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s directive to hold corrupt officials accountable and cleanse the DPWH of irregularities. Dizon also announced plans to temporarily suspend the bidding of all locally funded DPWH projects nationwide while a full review is conducted.
Dizon, who officially replaced Manuel Bonoan as DPWH Secretary on September 1, aims to reorganize the entire agency within 60 days — from top management down to district engineers — to restore public trust and ensure transparency in infrastructure projects.