The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is moving to fast-track delayed infrastructure projects on Siargao Island after inspections revealed stark differences between reported and actual progress.

Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon personally visited the island to assess ongoing construction and examine the condition of infrastructure nationwide, the agency said Wednesday.

The inspections found unfinished bridges in Pilar town that had been declared complete in 2022. “The Maasin and Asinan bridges, started in 2021 and declared completed last year, are still not finished,” the DPWH said.

A flood control project in Brgy. Tuburan, Del Carmen, reported to be 95 percent complete, was found to be only about 35 percent finished. The department described these gaps as “unacceptable” and said it is pressing the contractor to accelerate work.

DPWH is also investigating the causes of the delays and the contractor involved, who reportedly has links to Surigao del Norte 1st District Rep. Francisco “Bingo” Matugas. The department stressed that accountability will be enforced to prevent further setbacks.

With the flood control scandal still under investigation, Dizon assured that authorities will issue arrest warrants against those involved and recover stolen assets.

The secretary vowed that action on these cases will move faster than in the Priority Development Assistance Fund scam involving Janet Lim-Napoles. He noted that cases against individuals linked to ghost and substandard flood control projects have already been filed with the Sandiganbayan.

Dizon added that former DPWH officials and contractors tied to problematic flood control projects in Bulacan will be the next to face charges.