Photo credit: DPWH

Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon was dismayed to discover a newly-completed flood control project in Brgy. Tagumpay, Naujan, Oriental Mindoro, was already failing, less than a year after its construction. The inspection was part of an order from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to look into "ghost" and substandard flood control projects.

"Clearly, it's not a ghost project. It exists, but I'm already seeing major problems not just in its construction but also in the process. This is where we get to the structural and systemic problems within the DPWH," said Secretary Dizon during his inspection with Oriental Mindoro Governor Humerlito "Bonz" Dolor.

The project, which was supposed to be 12 meters deep, was found to be only three meters deep. Secretary Dizon immediately halted the construction to review the plan and avoid further waste of government funds. He also summoned the former regional director involved in the project to explain the situation.

"Everyone responsible for this will be held accountable. That's the President's order. Everyone who needs to be held accountable will be," Dizon stated.

Governor Dolor also shared that the 1.5-kilometer project was apparently split into seven different projects to accommodate different contractors, even though it could have been bid out as a single project. The contractors involved were St. Timothy Construction Corp., Elite General Contractor and Development Corp., and Sunwest Construction and Development Corp.

"This is really infuriating. This is a blatant violation of contract terms. Our countrymen are suffering from severe flooding, and this project, which is supposed to protect them, can't fulfill its purpose," said Secretary Dizon.