MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) must implement a surgical solution to address the alleged irregularities in flood control projects, officials reported, rather than settling for mere band-aid fixes. This approach, they emphasized, is crucial to restoring integrity and efficiency in vital infrastructure efforts.
Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson highlighted the urgent need for this surgical solution after a recent scandal involving a DPWH district engineer who allegedly attempted to bribe Batangas 1st District Rep. Leandro Leviste to halt investigations into questionable infrastructure projects in the province.
District Engineer’s Role Raises Concerns
The district engineer, named Abelardo Calalo, is currently in police custody following his suspension by the DPWH. Yet, local leaders noted that simply removing erring personnel is a superficial fix. Lacson pointed out that the problem is systemic, requiring more profound intervention.
“It should be operated on. It could not be patched, no band-aid [solutions] anymore,” Lacson said in a mix of Filipino and English during an interview with reporters.
‘Bagman’ Suspicions Deepen the Crisis
Community members also expressed alarm over the revelation that the DPWH district engineer might have acted as a “bagman” for a powerful contractor. Such a role is unusual, as the contractor typically makes bribery offers, not the engineer himself.
“Why did district engineer Calalo himself offer the bribe to Leviste? Normally it should be the contractor making the offer, is it not?” Lacson questioned. He added that this suggests the district engineer was both the intermediary and the enforcer in the scheme.
Reevaluating Appointment Processes
Officials stressed that the DPWH must reconsider its heavy reliance on the discretion of district engineers, who are vulnerable to compromise. Many district engineers, they explained, are appointed through lobbying by congressmen, which creates a cycle of influence and control.
“Most of the district engineers are lobbied by congressmen to be appointed as district engineer,” Lacson said. “So the congressmen have influence in DPWH, as to who they want to appoint as district engineer so they would be under their control.”
In fact, sources indicated that at least 67 members of the House of Representatives are involved in flood control projects. This echoes allegations from Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong, who claimed these lawmakers tap contractors as fronts to secure government infrastructure contracts.
Exposing Anomalies in Projects
In a recent privilege speech, Senator Lacson disclosed irregularities in flood control initiatives, shedding light on deep-rooted issues. These revelations align with concerns raised by other local leaders and community members about ghost and substandard projects.
Calls for Accountability and Justice
In a related development, Senate Blue Ribbon Committee Vice Chairman Erwin Tulfo urged the Department of Justice to file charges against DPWH officials and contractors involved in fraudulent flood control projects. He remarked that the evidence presented by Lacson and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. provides a solid basis for prosecution.
“At the end of the day, the blame lies with the politicians because of the big kickback or commissions they are asking — from 20 to 25 percent,” Tulfo explained. “The contractor is forced to make it substandard, or worse, the flood control will just be a ghost project.”
For more news and updates on DPWH flood control projects, visit Filipinokami.com.
