Senator Erwin Tulfo said Sunday, August 9, that the Senate will investigate government infrastructure projects found to be below required standards and seek accountability from those responsible.
Tulfo, chairman of the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee, said the planned inquiry will run alongside the panel’s ongoing investigation into alleged non-existent or “ghost” projects, a probe that has recently brought additional individuals into the spotlight.
“Apart from the new names and issues connected to flood control mess, we will also investigate substandard projects. Bridges, roads, and public works that clearly failed to meet standards. We will investigate them one by one,” Tulfo said in a radio interview.
He said defective infrastructure could indicate the improper use of government funds, pointing out that contractors receive designated budgets intended to ensure projects comply with technical requirements.
“Obviously there’s corruption in there because you are given this certain amount of budget to construct these structures according to standards, but it’s unfinished or subpar,” he added.
Tulfo said the Blue Ribbon Committee is coordinating with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and other relevant government agencies as it prepares to examine the projects.
The senator highlighted the need for action following the collapse of a major retaining wall along the northbound portion of EDSA-Ayala in Makati City after several typhoons passed through the country. The incident shut down two important lanes and caused severe traffic disruptions in Metro Manila.
Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon had raised concerns about the structure after finding that lightweight board material, rather than reinforced concrete, had been used in its construction.
Although Tulfo said the Senate panel is ready to expand its flood control investigation as additional evidence and prominent personalities emerge, he stressed that the committee is also pursuing alleged systemic corruption involving other government agencies.
According to Tulfo, the flood control controversy represents only one aspect of broader corruption that must be uncovered and addressed.
“Corruption has plagued this system for too long, and we are tackling it head-on, one issue at a time. We will be strict in gathering rock-solid evidence, and we will conduct this strictly by the book,” he stressed.