Former DPWH Chief Explains Anti-Graft Committee Purpose
Former Public Works Secretary Manuel Bonoan clarified on Tuesday that the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Committee of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) was established solely to receive complaints from the public against department personnel. He emphasized that the committee’s main role is to serve as a channel for citizens to report any irregularities or concerns they observe within the DPWH workforce.
“I only created the Anti-Graft Corruption Committee to have a body that will only receive complaints from our countrymen, so that they can report what they see in our DPWH personnel,” Bonoan explained during a press conference held after the turnover ceremony welcoming his successor, former Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon.
Scope and Size of DPWH Workforce
Bonoan highlighted that the DPWH employs approximately 20,000 regular plantilla workers, while the total workforce, including contractual and other categories, nears 50,000. This large employee base underscores the need for an accessible mechanism to hear citizen concerns and ensure transparency.
“So there are a lot of people. And I think I just created this, just so that our countrymen could report if they see something that they are noticing, which we can look into internally in the process,” he added.
Focus on Major Infrastructure Projects
The former secretary pointed out that the committee’s remit includes oversight of significant projects such as flood-control initiatives and other large-scale infrastructure undertakings. These projects are critical to public welfare, making transparency and accountability essential.
“We are talking about the big projects. We are talking about flood-control projects or any project,” Bonoan said, stressing the importance of public vigilance.
Transition of Leadership and Investigation Authority
Bonoan expressed agreement with his successor, Vince Dizon, who suggested that investigations should be handled by a committee appointed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., rather than internally by the DPWH itself. This reflects a move towards independent oversight to strengthen anti-corruption efforts.
Earlier on Tuesday, Dizon called for the abolition of the DPWH anti-corruption task force, stating that the department cannot effectively investigate itself. This stance aligns with calls for external review to ensure impartiality.
Recent Leadership Changes at DPWH
President Marcos accepted Bonoan’s resignation last Sunday and appointed Vince Dizon as the new Public Works Secretary. The leadership transition marks a potential shift in how the department addresses graft and corruption issues.
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