Dizon to abolish DPWH anti-graft body probing projects

The Department of Public Works and Highways will no longer probe itself on the anomalies surrounding flood control projects as newly installed DPWH chief Vivencio Dizon will abolish its internal investigating team to give way to an independent body being formed by President Marcos.

- ALEXIS ROMERO

The agency, under its former secretary Manuel Bonoan, had formed an anti-corruption task force to allow the public to report irregularities and corrupt personnel as it was facing a barrage of criticism over subpar and ghost flood mitigation projects.

Days after the task force was formed, Malacañang announced that Bonoan had resigned and would be replaced by Dizon, then the transportation secretary.

Speaking to reporters in Subic yesterday, Dizon said the DPWH should not probe itself, noting that Marcos is already creating an independent panel that would look into the anomalous projects.

"With all due respect to the officials who formed the task force, I don't believe an organization can investigate itself. It doesn't seem right," Dizon said.

"For me, the President has spoken. He will create an independent commission. Let us give the independent commission the responsibility and authority to investigate," he added.

The independent commission, which will be created through an executive order, will investigate claims about project irregularities and come up with recommendations on what to do with parties found to be involved in corrupt practices.

Dizon pointed out that when the DPWH internal investigation committee was created, Marcos had yet to announce his intention to form an independent body.

"Now that (an announcement has been made), let us respect the wisdom of the President. So I will abolish it," he added.