Dizon to scrap DPWH's internal probe team

Stressing that a department cannot investigate its own, new Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon said he will abolish the agency's internal investigation team formed to probe flood control project anomalies.

- BETHEENA UNITE

Dizon announced the new development a day after he ordered the courtesy resignation of all ranking officials of the department amid allegations of anomalies in flood control projects.

"First of all, with all due respect to the officials who formed the task force, I do not believe that an organization should investigate itself. I don't think that's right," Dizon said in an interview on the sidelines of the inauguration of the Hyundai Shipyard in Subic, Zambales.

Dizon said he understands that the team was formed at a time when President Marcos had not yet said that there would be an independent commission to investigate anomalies at the DPWH.

However, he said, now that the independent commission is being finalized, they must respect it.

The DPWH chief also gave an assurance that the information gathered by the internal probe committee will be forwarded to the independent commission.

"Too little, too late'

Vice President Sara Duterte, however, belittled President Marcos' move to investigate the flood control anomalies, saying it was "too little, too late".

"Well, as I was saying, this administration is too little, too late.