Dizon to probe DPWH officials over supposed ties to contractors

Metro Manila, Philippines - Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon will investigate the agency’s officials over claims of supposed connection with contractors in the crackdown on infrastructure anomalies.

Batangas Rep. Leandro Leviste urged Dizon and his team to share information with past, current, or potential future contractors of projects.

“I heard that Secretary Dizon and his team have connections with contractors and in the interest of transparency, should disclose all of their connections with contractors and any knowledge that they have on the possibility of kickbacks from DPWH (Department of Public Works and Highways) projects,” Leviste said in a press briefing on Thursday, Oct. 16.

Dizon said he will look into the allegations, remove erring officials, and file cases if needed.

“Hindi ko papalampasin ‘yan kahit ano pa ‘yan pero sa pagkakaalam ko, dito sa mga undersecretaries na ating inaya – at hindi madaling mag-aya ng undersecretary sa DPWH sa panahong ito – wala sa kanila ang contractor,” Dizon said in a press conference.

[Translation: I will not tolerate that but what I know is the undersecretaries we invited to join us – and it is not easy to invite undersecretaries for DPWH in these times – none of them is a contractor.]

“Dahil sa report na ito, mag-iimbestiga na rin ako [Because of this report, I will investigate] on my own about this,” he added.

Dizon said he is looking forward to getting more details from Leviste.

Dizon took over the DPWH leadership last month after then Secretary Manuel Bonoan resigned amid public uproar on the flood control corruption.

The Independent Commission for Infrastructure has been looking into the fiasco, in which a number of lawmakers and DPWH officials were implicated to have been receiving kickbacks from government contractors.

READ: Gov’t to look into firm of Bong Go’s family, possible ties to Discayas