DPWH chief calls evidence ‘rock solid’ amid P289-M ghost road dike case

Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon testified Tuesday that the government holds “rock solid” evidence against several former officials and a former lawmaker accused of malversation in connection with a P289-million “ghost” flood control project.

Appearing before the Sandiganbayan, Dizon detailed findings from a site inspection of a road dike in Naujan, Oriental Mindoro. He told the court that while the project’s engineering design specified a 12-meter depth for steel sheet piles, inspectors found only three meters had been installed.

“It is very clear as many were with me during the inspection; we clearly saw it is substandard,” Dizon said during the bail hearing. “The effect was seen after just one typhoon. The entire project needs to be overhauled to rectify it. It appears they did not intend to finish the project.”

The hearing follows a petition for bail filed by several former DPWH officials and former Ako Bicol Partylist Representative Elizaldy “Zaldy” Co. The project was allegedly awarded to Sunwest, a construction firm reportedly linked to Co.

Assistant Ombudsman Mico Clavano previously told reporters that measurements showed only 0.6 meters of the steel piles were embedded in the cap, with 2.5 meters exposed, totaling roughly 3.1 meters.

Dizon expressed confidence that the court would deny the petition for bail. Among the former DPWH-MIMAROPA officials facing charges are Regional Director Gerald Pacanan, Assistant Regional Directors Gene Ryan Altea and Ruben D.S. Santos, and several division chiefs and engineers.