Flood control mess began before current admin - Dizon

Metro Manila, Philippines - Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon said on Tuesday, Sept. 2, the flood control mess did not solely begin in the current administration – with some failed projects originating from previous leaderships.

Dizon was at the Department of Public Works and Highways central office in Manila for his assumption as the new secretary during a leadership turnover ceremony with former agency chief Manny Bonoan.

“Wala po tayong choice dito [We have no choice here]. It stretches even way earlier than 2018, 2017, 2016. Matagal na po ang ibang proyektong ito [Some projects have been around for a long time],” Dizon told the media when asked if he believes the investigation should go as far as the previous administration.

Dizon noted that the problem might have been existing for decades.

Sen. Mark Villar was the DPWH chief under the Duterte administration. Roger Mercado replaced him in October 2021 until the end of the former president’s term, when the lawmaker quit to run for the Senate.

Congress has begun separate investigations on questionable flood control projects.

Abolished internal committee

Meanwhile, Dizon said his agency will fully cooperate with the planned independent commission to probe alleged corruption in the agency. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has yet to finalize the group’s composition.

He said he will abolish the internal anti-graft and corrupt practices committee formed by Bonoan to give way to the independent probe.

“Hindi ako naniniwala na ang organisasyon ay pwedeng imbestigahan ang sarili niya. Hindi po ata tama ‘yun,” the new public works chief said in a chance interview.

[Translation: I don't believe that an organization can investigate itself. I don't think that's right.]

Bonoan explained that he established the task force to provide citizens with a platform to report misconduct by DPWH personnel.

Dizon said his new team will gather information and submit it to the independent body.

The Cabinet official previously led the Transportation Department.