Massive revamp looms at DPWH as Marcos seeks thorough graft probe

NEWLY INSTALLED Public Works Secretary Vivencio "Vince" B. Dizon on Monday demanded the mass courtesy resignation of Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) officials, as President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. sought a more thorough probe of corruption in big-ticket flood control projects through an independent commission.

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Mr. Dizon ordered all officials of the bureau, from top to bottom, to tender their courtesy resignations for a "clean sweep" as the probe into anomalous flood control projects continues.

"My very first order will be to call for the courtesy resignations from top to bottom - undersecretaries, assistant secretaries, division heads, regional directors, down to district engineers across the entire country," Mr. Dizon told a news briefing in Filipino.

"That is the very first directive that the President wants to issue." His directive came as the government deepened its investigation into alleged anomalies in multibillion-peso flood control programs, which have long been flagged for irregularities as the Philippines faces more weather disturbances.

The shake-up follows the resignation of former Public Works Secretary Manuel M. Bonoan, who took responsibility for flood control projects marred by alleged irregularities.

Asked whether the courtesy resignation order could leave the department shortstaffed, Mr. Dizon downplayed the risk.

"The DPWH has a large workforce... These are courtesy resignations, which means that until their resignations are accepted, they will continue performing their duties. They cannot simply abandon their work; otherwise, they could be charged with abandonment of duty," he said.

The DPWH head reassured the public that accountability will follow.

"If there's evidence, I'm sure the independent commission will do its job," he said, adding the shake-up at the DPWH should be completed within 30-60 days to ensure continuity of operations.

LIFETIME BAN

Mr. Dizon also said contractors involved in "ghost" or substandard projects will face a lifetime ban and criminal cases.

The President is set to issue an executive order establishing an independent body that will investigate and file charges against erring officials and private contractors.