DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon confirmed that the agency will launch a new website disclosing the list of “ghost” and “substandard” flood control projects uncovered under his leadership.
In an interview, Dizon said the portal will be released following President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s formal creation of the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI), which will take over the filing of cases against government officials involved in the anomalies.
“Gusto po namin magbuo ng isang transparency portal… para mai-publish na ho natin unang-una iyong mga reported at kung anu-ano po ang mga aksyon na ginagawa ng DPWH ngayon para mapanagot ang mga dapat managot,” Dizon said.
Similar to the “Sumbong sa Pangulo” website, Dizon explained that the portal will make it easier for Filipinos to access information on anomalous projects and the accountability measures being taken.
Meanwhile, Senators Bam Aquino and Kiko Pangilinan urged the government to go after contractors behind the anomalous flood control projects, stressing that they must face both criminal and financial penalties for negligence and corruption.
Aquino cited the Philippine Competition Act, which imposes fines ranging from ₱100 million to ₱250 million per offense for bid-rigging.
“Importante sa taumbayan hindi lang na may makulong… pero mabalik rin iyong pera,” he said, noting that total penalties could reach as much as ₱150 billion.
Pangilinan, for his part, pushed for the strict enforcement of warranties and performance bonds.
“Dapat silang parusahan sa kasong kriminal pero dapat din silang parusahan doon sa pinansyal… sabi nga nila, ‘You hit them where it hurts,’” he said.