Urgent Call to Crack Down on DPWH Officials
Akbayan Representative Chel Diokno on Friday strongly urged Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon to consider requesting bank secrecy waivers and warrants to intercept government-issued devices. This move aims to crack down on suspect officials and employees within the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).
During the House committee on appropriations hearing for the DPWH’s proposed P881.3-billion budget for 2026, Diokno emphasized the need for these measures to preserve evidence amid the ongoing cleanup of the department. He highlighted that while requesting such waivers is not part of the usual process, there is no legal barrier to doing so.
Securing Digital Evidence and Devices
Diokno also recommended that Secretary Dizon issue an order to secure all government electronic devices that might have been used by officials who have been dismissed, retired, or resigned. “Under the law and jurisprudence, you may access that and determine if there are communications there that are incriminating (and) you can use that against them,” he explained.
In response, Dizon confirmed he would review the suggestion and coordinate with the Philippine National Police-Cybercrime Division to assist in obtaining cyber warrants. He further disclosed that former police officials, including ex-General Arthur Bisnar, have been invited to join the department to help preserve evidence and safeguard crucial documents.
DPWH’s Online Platform Faces Heavy Traffic
Dizon clarified that the DPWH’s online project and control management application (PCMA) website has not been taken down but experienced a surge in traffic. “We have been seeing 700 percent higher than normal visitors, which resulted essentially in the system crashing,” he said. Authorities are working to preserve all documents on the platform as these will serve as key references once President Marcos Jr. forms an independent commission to investigate anomalous flood control projects.
Leadership Changes Amid Corruption Concerns
Vince Dizon, formerly the transport secretary, replaced Manuel Bonoan as the DPWH faced scrutiny for suspicious flood control projects and other corrupt practices that siphoned public funds away from critical infrastructure.
Before stepping down, Bonoan ordered the suspension and removal of several officials suspected of corruption, including former Bulacan district engineer Henry Alcantara. Alcantara admitted approving multiple projects in Bulacan, including a P55-million reinforced concrete river wall in Barangay Piel, Baliuag. This project, awarded to Syms Construction Trading, was personally inspected by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. last month.
President Marcos expressed disappointment upon discovering the project did not exist, despite government payments totaling P49.3 million to Syms as of 2025. This revelation has intensified calls for stronger oversight and accountability within the DPWH.
For more news and updates on DPWH officials under scrutiny, visit Filipinokami.com.
