House Probes Department of Public Works Flood-Control Projects
MANILA, Philippines — The House of Representatives has passed a resolution to authorize three of its committees to investigate the Department of Public Works and Highways’ (DPWH) execution of infrastructure projects, focusing mainly on flood-control projects. This move aims to ensure transparency and accountability in the use of public funds for critical flood mitigation efforts.
However, before the resolution was approved through viva voce during the recent session, ML Partylist Representative Leila de Lima raised objections and requested a deferral of House Bill No. 145. The bill, filed by the Committee on Public Accounts Chair and Bicol Saro Representative Terry Ridon last August 12, seeks to launch the investigation.
Concerns Over Conflict of Interest
De Lima expressed concerns about the propriety of the House itself investigating the issue, citing potential conflicts of interest. “I take the position that it would not be prudent on the part of this House as it might entail possible conflict of interest, in short the House itself investigation this issue and there’s so many reports and so many speculations of the possible involvement of certain members of the House this would not sit well to the public,” she said.
She further emphasized the impact on the institution’s reputation. “It would impact significantly on the integrity and dignity of this institution, so I’m registering my objection, and I would humbly seek also the deferral of the consideration of this resolution, because we would want many members to weigh in on this issue. I think this is a significant matter that the whole house in plenary must deliberate on,” De Lima added.
Procedural Debate on Viva Voce Voting
In response, Lanao del Sur 1st District Representative Zia Alonto Adiong, the resolution’s sponsor, clarified that a manifestation or explanation during the viva voce vote was unnecessary. He noted that lawmakers could express their opposition by saying “nay” or support by saying “aye.”
Despite this, De Lima urged the chamber to carefully consider the matter, highlighting the sensitivity of the issue. She pointed out the potential for conflicts, collusion, and conspiracies involving major contractors. “I still register my objection, but I was made to understand that these issues must be raised at the convening of the tri-comm. With that explanation, I will leave it up to the body to proceed with the next step, which is the voting, but I’m not withdrawing at this point my objection,” she stressed.
The session was briefly suspended as lawmakers explained procedural details to De Lima regarding the resolution’s adoption.
Tri-Committee to Handle the Investigation
Last week, sources reported that the inquiry will be conducted by a tri-committee composed of the panels chaired by Ridon, Surigao del Sur Representative Romeo Momo Sr. of the Public Works Committee, and Manila Representative Joel Chua of the Good Government Committee.
According to Ridon, the probe will begin by examining a list of 15 contractors named by President Marcos. The investigation aims to determine whether these contractors completed projects, caused delays, delivered substandard work, or were involved in ghost projects.
The tri-committee’s primary objective is to identify irregularities in flood-control projects, which could trigger further investigations, including possible links between lawmakers and contractors.
Officials reported that President Marcos revealed P100 billion, or 18 percent of the entire P545-billion budget allocated for flood mitigation projects from July 2022 to May 2025, was awarded to only 15 out of 2,409 accredited contractors.
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