DPWH eyes ‘big fish’ in flood probe

After Typhoon “Tino” unleashed massive flooding in Cebu, leaving homes submerged and communities reeling, the spotlight has turned to the province’s flood control projects—and the officials and contractors behind them. 

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) are now racing to hold those responsible accountable, with findings and case referrals set to be submitted to the Office of the Ombudsman by January. 

Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon confirmed the timeline at a press conference on Thursday. 

“In January, the ICI and DPWH will be ready with the report on the accountability measures we will take in Cebu due to the problems we found in the flood control projects. They will be ready to submit the reports and our referrals to the Ombudsman by January. More individuals will face accountability,” Dizon said. 

The announcement follows inspections conducted by the ICI and DPWH in the days after the typhoon hit Cebu.

Officials examined projects implemented by several contractors, covering key areas along the Butuanon River in Mandaue City, Compostela, Liloan, Cebu City, and Talisay City. 

“It’s been a long three and a half months. We have accomplished many of the President’s directives,” he said. 

Dizon assumed leadership of the DPWH from Manuel Bonoan amid allegations of corruption and irregularities in the country’s flood control projects, with instructions to conduct a full organizational sweep and ensure public funds are properly used. 

To date, 87 individuals have been recommended for charges including plunder, malversation, bribery, and other violations. 

Among them are former Speaker Martin Romualdez, former House Appropriations chair Zaldy Co, contractor Cezarah Rowena Discaya, former DPWH chief Bonoan, former senator Bong Revilla, Senator Jingoy Estrada, and Senator Joel Villanueva, whom Dizon described as “big fish” in the ongoing probe.

Of these, 23 individuals have been filed with cases in various courts, while nine have been arrested.

Around 90 DPWH personnel are facing dismissals, suspensions, or ongoing administrative cases. On the recovery of alleged stolen funds, Dizon said former DPWH officials Henry Alcantara and Gerard Opulencia returned P150 million. 

“Just because you resigned, retired, or returned funds… doesn’t mean you are no longer accountable,” he warned. 

Likewise, the agency also collected P48 million from the auction of Discaya-owned luxury vehicles and has frozen roughly P13 billion in assets, including bank accounts, insurance policies, air assets, vehicles, real properties, e-wallet accounts, and securities accounts.

To strengthen transparency and accountability, the DPWH launched a portal giving the public access to project information and will include data on when reduced construction materials are used in each project. 

Looking ahead to 2026, Dizon said the agency’s priority is to replicate the speed, cost efficiency, and quality of project delivery demonstrated during natural disasters. 

“Our priority is to be able to replicate what we have done for earthquakes and storms, which can be done quickly by the DPWH. Projects can be done at the right price and with quality. That will be our mantra in the coming months,” he said.