MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang on Monday guaranteed a transparent investigation into infrastructure projects in Taguig City, dismissing concerns of a possible cover-up amidst ongoing inquiries by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).
Communications Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro clarified statements made by Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon during a Senate hearing on Friday, September 25, where Dizon noted that initial checks yielded no non-existent projects in the city.
The finding was challenged by Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson, who highlighted geotagged photos of a Taguig project whose coordinates pointed to a location in the Visayas.
Castro explained that Dizon was referring strictly to confirmed, conclusive instances of non-existent developments.
”Ayon po sa kanya, ang binabanggit lamang po niya dito ay patungkol doon sa mga conclusive na mga ghost projects. So, wala raw doon sa sampu na alam niyang conclusive ghost projects iyong itinatanong sa kanya, pero hindi naman po nangangahulugan na walang masasabing na anomalya sa Taguig,” Castro said.
”Hindi rin po niya sinasabing mayroon, hindi niya sinasabing wala. So, niliwanag niya po ito at kinakailangan po ng mas masusi at mas mabusisi na pag-iimbestiga rito dahil hindi po kinakailangang magkaroon ng cover up,” she added.
Castro emphasized that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. expects an exhaustive inquiry without special treatment for anyone, regardless of political ties.
”Kung mayroon po mang mga tao, mga tauhan ng DPWH na nais magtakip ng katotohanan, ito po ay isang paalala na ang Pangulo po, ang nais ay tamang pag-iimbestiga, sapat na pag-iimbestiga, walang kinakanlong, walang itinatago lalung-lalo na kung ito ay mga kaalyado,” Castro stated.
She warned that the President would not hesitate to remove officials who attempt to shield wrongdoers, describing such actions as highly detrimental to the government.
Addressing questions on whether Dizon still retains the President’s confidence despite public criticism, Castro stated the matter is a non-issue.
”Sa ngayon ay hindi nagiging usapan at hindi napapabatid sa atin kung may problema patungkol sa pagtatrabaho ni Secretary Vince Dizon,” Castro noted.
”Pero sa ngayon po ay hindi nagiging isyu ang pangyayaring ito, dahil sa huling panayam naman po kay Secretary Vince Dizon ay ipinaliwanag naman niya ang patungkol sa ghost project,” she added.
The DPWH is currently examining the discrepancies involving the mismatched coordinates that mapped a Taguig project to Leyte.
”Ngayon po ay pinapatignan nila kung ano ang nangyari dito at kung mayroon mang sumasabotahe at kung mayroon mang nagko-cover-up, hindi po ito palalagpasin ng DPWH at hindi po ito palalagpasin ng administrasyon,” Castro said.