DPWH to file charges vs contractor of Navotas dike

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) will file charges against Hi-Tone Construction and Development Corporation for allegedly failing to repair a damaged section of the Navotas City Coastal Dike, which has been blamed for worsening floods in the city's coastal communities.

- BY TRIXEE ROSEL

DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon said they will take over the long-delayed repair after Hi-Tone allegedly failed to act for more than a year since its dredging barge struck the dike during Typhoon Kristine in October 2024.

The incident left a 20-meter breach unrepaired and as a result, hundreds of residents were forced to flee their homes due to flooding in the area during the onslaught of Super Typhoon "Uwan".

"What Hi-Tone did not do, we have to do it. Then I will just file charges against Hi-Tone and recover the funds, but we will no longer wait for them," Dizon said, stressing that the DPWH cannot allow the damage to remain unaddressed while flooding continues to endanger residents.