Chief of DPWH Speaks on Flood Control Projects Inspection amid Issue
DPWH – The Department of Public Works and Highways requests the help of the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in inspecting the flood control projects in the different regions in the Philippines.
The flood control issue in the Philippines became a national controversy that has triggered the disappointment and anger of not only President Bongbong Marcos but as well as countless Filipino people. The government has spent millions of money for several ‘ghost’ and substandard flood control projects. Truth be told that many areas in the country remain prone to flooding when heavy rains hit.
According to Pres. Bongbong Marcos, the country has spent P545-billions in flood control projects from July 2022 to May 2025. Calling the amount “enormous”, the President visited some of the government-funded flood control projects.
Unfortunately, in Bulacan, Marcos Jr. found a ‘ghost’ Riverwall project that cost the government P55 million. He was also left disappointed by another flood control project in the same province that was found to be ‘incomplete and substandard’.
Amid the issue, the DPWH earned massive criticisms. Then-Public Works Secretary Manuel Bonoan resigned from his post and he was replaced by Vince Dizon, a former chief of the Department of Transportation prior to his appointment to the agency.
Immediately after his appointment to the Department of Public Works and Highways, DPWH Chief Vince Dizon announced that he will order the “courtesy resignation” of all officials of the agency nationwide. The order will include all undersecretaries, assistant secretaries, division heads, and district engineers of the agency across the nation.
Dizon also confirmed that he will abolish the internal investigation committee of the department. According to him, he does not believe that an agency can investigate itself. Recently, amid the flood control mess in the country, the DPWH Chief claimed that the department needs the help of the PNP and the AFP.
Based on a report on GMA News, Public Works Sec. Vince Dizon confirmed that he will ask for the help of the PNP and the AFP in checking the government-funded flood control projects in the country. He admitted that the agency cannot handle the inspections of thousands of projects alone.
“Libo-libo po talaga ang proyekto ng DPWH. At kung sa loob ng DPWH, hindi natin kakayanin yan kaya kailangan talaga unang-una humingi tayo ng tulong sa PNP, sa AFP,” Dizon said.
Based on the report, PNP public information office chief Police Brigadier General Randulf Tuaño claimed that they have yet to receive an official request from Dizon. On the part of the Armed Forces, AFP public affairs office chief Colonel Xerxes Trinidad confirmed that they are ready to respond to the request of the agency.
Amid the issue, several officials of the DPWH are facing accusations. Recently, Senate Blue Ribbon Committee chairman Ping Lacson confirmed the budget insertion that matched the claim of DPWH assistant engineer Brice Hernandez during a House flood probe.