Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon has ordered the temporary suspension of all road reblocking activities across the country following long-standing complaints from the public about perfectly good roads being torn down and rebuilt.
In a press conference on Friday, October 10, Dizon admitted that the issue has persisted for decades and hinted at possible corruption behind these repetitive projects.
“Bakit may mga kalye na maayos naman na tinitibag, sinisira, tapos gagawin ulit?… Deka-dekada na nating naririnig yan… Siguro sa maraming pagkakataon, alam na natin bakit. Pinagkakakitaan yung pagsira at paggawa ulit,” said Dizon.
The DPWH chief’s suspension order took effect immediately on October 10, although regular maintenance works are exempted.
Dizon also announced plans to issue a new Department Order that will mandate full transparency in all reblocking activities, ensuring the public is informed about why certain roads are being repaired.
Ongoing reblocking projects will be subject to investigation, and Dizon vowed that anyone found involved in irregularities will face legal consequences.
Among the projects halted was the reblocking operation in Bocaue, Bulacan, where observers noted that the road appeared to be in good condition before being unnecessarily demolished and repaired.