Ombudsman Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla expressed strong skepticism over the Department of Public Works and Highways’ (DPWH) capacity to construct high-quality government structures, stating that the national government is leaning increasingly toward public-private partnerships (PPP) for major capital projects.
Under a PPP framework, private entities finance and execute infrastructure developments, recouping their investment through public disbursements, tolls, or service charges.
“We have to take a cue from the quality of work that happens with government projects… As it is right now, wala tayong maasahan sa [DPWH],” Remulla said on his radio program on Saturday, August 15.
Remulla highlighted severe implementation issues in several high-value initiatives, including the UP-Philippine General Hospital Cancer Center project—valued at over ₱9 billion—as well as the construction of new headquarters for the Bureau of Immigration (BI) and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI).
Responding to the criticism on Sunday, Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon concurred with the Ombudsman’s assessment, attributing persistent shortcomings to deep-seated systemic issues within the department. Dizon noted that until sweeping reforms are implemented, joint ventures with private contractors “remain the far better option for large-scale, complex infrastructure like government buildings”.
The Ombudsman specifically called out the ongoing BI facility, noting that its expenditures have surpassed ₱8 billion across a decade-long construction timeline. Dizon voiced outrage over the project, characterizing its execution as unacceptable and emblematic of internal structural failures.
Addressing the proposed NBI headquarters, Remulla suggested a “PPP in reverse” approach by acquiring a completed commercial building instead of proceeding with new construction.
Dizon confirmed his willingness to halt the current NBI project to explore more practical real estate alternatives.