Invitation to Probe DPWH Flood Control Projects
House Infrastructure Committee Co-Chair and Bicol Saro Representative Terry Ridon announced on Sunday that Manuel Bonoan has been invited to the upcoming inquiry focusing on the Department of Public Works and Highways’ flood control projects. This invitation remains despite Bonoan’s recent resignation from his post as DPWH Secretary.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. accepted Bonoan’s resignation effective Monday. Department of Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon will now assume the role, marking a significant leadership change within the agency.
Lawmakers React to Resignation Amid Flood Control Issues
Several lawmakers welcomed the resignation, viewing it as an opportunity to intensify scrutiny over the DPWH’s flood control projects. One legislator emphasized that the resignation is necessary to ensure an impartial investigation and to foster much-needed reforms but stressed it does not free Bonoan from accountability for the alleged irregularities.
Another representative described the resignation as only the initial step toward long-term accountability and combating corruption within the agency.
A third official urged that resignation alone is insufficient. He insisted that a thorough investigation must begin to dismantle the syndicate reportedly operating within the DPWH and to hold responsible parties accountable.
Bonoan’s Statement and Project Discrepancies
In his resignation letter, Bonoan expressed his support for the president’s call for transparency, accountability, and reform in the DPWH. The agency has faced intense criticism lately due to alleged discrepancies in numerous flood control projects funded by DPWH across the country.
Earlier this year, the president revealed that out of 2,409 accredited contractors, only 15 were awarded contracts worth P100 billion for flood mitigation projects spanning from July 2022 to May 2025. This revelation has fueled concerns about possible favoritism and irregularities.
Resignation Marks Start of Greater Accountability
Following the resignation, lawmakers urged other officials connected to the flood control projects and other infrastructure undertakings to take responsibility. One legislator challenged those involved to resign if they have any conscience left and to disclose what they know.
Calls for reform extended beyond leadership changes. Another lawmaker pointed out that appointing Vince Dizon as the new head is not sufficient. The corruption, they noted, is systemic and widespread, involving contractors, district engineers, and even lawmakers. Therefore, comprehensive structural reform is essential.
Calls for Strict Investigation and Transparency
Further demands included the issuance of hold departure orders for all DPWH officials from top to bottom. Officials also urged the public release of lifestyle checks and bank account investigations to ensure full transparency.
One representative warned that if the president is serious about addressing corruption, decisive actions must follow. He stressed that allowing officials and contractors to profit from alleged looting will damage the administration’s credibility.
He also cautioned that failure to hold anyone accountable would reduce the administration to a laughing stock. “Take this seriously, Mr. President, because the people are already angry. It is not enough to just say that you are against corruption,” he asserted.
For more news and updates on DPWH flood control projects, visit Filipinokami.com.
