House Launches Probe on Department of Public Works Projects
MANILA, Philippines — The House of Representatives will begin investigating the effectiveness of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) infrastructure projects within August, Bicol Saro party-list Rep. Terry Ridon announced Thursday. The House committee on public accounts aims to start hearings as soon as its members are finalized.
Ridon, who was recently elected chairperson of the committee by the minority bloc, emphasized the urgency of the probe. “Well, in the earliest possible time, we will call for meetings with DPWH because of course, this is a presidential pronouncement and a commitment of House Speaker Martin Romualdez, to call on all of those involved in the infrastructure project,” he shared at the Batasang Pambansa complex.
Focus on Flood Control Projects
The investigation will particularly focus on this year’s flood control projects. Ridon raised key questions: “Were there delays, are there ghost projects, have we finished anything? And what do we have to do for the entire course of the year?” He added that the committee can proceed with its inquiry independently, even before the executive branch or the Commission on Audit (COA) completes their investigations.
“We need to act proactively instead of waiting for funds to be wasted before we even try to look at what has happened to these projects,” Ridon explained. He stressed that waiting for the COA audit would only delay action until year-end.
Presidential Directive Spurs Legislative Action
This House probe comes after Speaker Romualdez directed an audit of government-funded infrastructure projects, following President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s recent State of the Nation Address. In his speech, Marcos condemned officials and contractors allegedly pocketing kickbacks from flood control initiatives, expressing that they “should be ashamed of themselves.”
Flood control was a major theme, with Senator Panfilo Lacson warning that nearly half of the almost P2 trillion allocated since 2011 for these projects may have gone missing. He called for a comprehensive review.
Urgent Need Due to Severe Flooding
Marcos’ strong statements came after severe flooding struck Metro Manila and nearby provinces from three consecutive cyclones, which worsened the southwest monsoon. Aside from investigations, Marcos also pushed for reforms in budget planning.
He warned he will reject future national budget bills from Congress if they stray significantly from the administration’s priorities. “I will return any General Appropriations Bill that is not in line with the National Expenditures Program — even if it results in a reenacted budget,” he said.
Debate Over Investigation Leadership
Meanwhile, the Makabayan bloc questioned whether DPWH should lead the probe into flood control anomalies. ACT Teachers party-list Rep. Antonio Tinio and Kabataan party-list Rep. Renee Co argued that since DPWH implements these projects, it cannot be trusted to investigate itself.
Tinio remarked, “The DPWH cannot be trusted to investigate itself when it is neck-deep in these anomalies. This is like asking the fox to guard the henhouse.”
Ridon responded that while the executive branch may conduct its own internal audits, Congress remains free to hold separate hearings. He added that other agencies, such as the newly reorganized National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), will be involved in performance reviews.
“The executive is free to do that, they have the prerogative to do an internal audit. My understanding is that it is not only the DPWH that will be part of this probe, there are other agencies involved with infrastructure that will do their part,” he said.
In April, President Marcos signed a law transforming NEDA into the Department of Economy, Planning and Development, signaling stronger oversight in economic planning.
For more news and updates on Department of Public Works projects, visit Filipinokami.com.
