Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon could not hold back his anger — even cursing — after discovering substandard materials used in a flood-control dike inspected in Bauang, La Union on Tuesday, September 16.
Dizon pointed out that the “weep holes” — pipes meant to drain water buildup inside the structure to prevent collapse — were practically useless.
Magalong is ICI special adviser appointed by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. .
“Tila palamuti lang na nakasabit sa isang Christmas tree imbes na nakabaon sa lupa,” he said. “Ang sinabi nga nung structural engineer, dapat yung mga weep hole na tawag nila, 2 meters… garapalan ’to, nakita nyo naman eh.”
Joining him was Baguio City Mayor Benjie Magalong, making his first inspection as special adviser to the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI), the body tasked to probe anomalous public works projects from the past decade.
Magalong wasted no time flagging “red flags” such as flimsy reinforcement bars and their uneven placement.
“We’re designating this area as a crime scene, kaya kailangan talaga dito magkaroon tayo ng forensics,” he declared.
The contractor for the two dike segments worth ₱179.4 million is Silverwolves Construction Corporation. Dizon vowed to determine if the firm had already been paid.
“Hindi gagastos ng kahit isa pang sentimo ang gobyerno dito, sila ang may kontrata dito ayusin nila ito, sarili nilang pera pero hiwalay pa yun sa mga kasong ifa-file ha, hindi porke’t aayusin nila walang kaso, walang ganun,” Dizon warned.
The ICI will also verify Senate President Pro Tempore Ping Lacson’s information that some Silverwolves projects in La Union stemmed from “congressional insertions” in the 2024 national budget.