The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has launched a full-scale investigation into the collapse of a flood control dike in Arayat, Pampanga, citing apparent design failures and long-standing construction defects.
Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon said the probe was ordered by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and will fast-track both engineering solutions and accountability measures.
“Unang-una, mukhang hindi talaga tama ang disenyo nung flood control sa Candating sa Arayat,” Dizon told reporters.
He added, “Kung maalala niyo, pinilit natin yung kontratista na ayusin dahil gumigiba yung mga pundasyon. Eh hanggang ngayon, hindi nila maayos-ayos.”
Engineering teams have been deployed to protect affected houses and residents while the investigation proceeds.
Dizon stressed that responsibility will not be limited to the contractor, as lapses within the agency and alleged political links are also being examined.
“So kailangan na tayong magdesisyon dito na talagang panagutin na yung mga dapat managot dyan,” he said.
“Kasama na yung mga tao sa DPWH, kasama yung kontratista, and meron na ring nagrereport sa atin na mga links sa mga kongresista,” he added.
Findings and recommendations will be submitted to the Office of the Ombudsman and the Department of Justice for possible prosecution.
“So lahat ‘yan kailangan imbestigahan natin, at kung ano man ang rekomendasyon natin, isusumite natin sa Ombudsman at sa DOJ,” Dizon said.
“Kawawa naman yung mga kababayan natin doon na apektado yung mga bahay nila. So hindi natin pwedeng palampasin ‘to,” he added.
The collapse has intensified calls for accountability and stricter oversight of flood control projects nationwide.