Site visits and inspections of infrastructure in the Visayas and Mindanao are scheduled for the coming week as the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) widens the net in the probe into anomalous infrastructure.

“Our kababayans are pitiful, so we have to really look at every area of the country so we can push it and once and for all, end this,” Public Works and Highways Secretary Vince Dizon said.

His itinerary includes visits to Cebu and Davao and will once again traverse the Maharlika Highway, this time traveling from Bicol to the Visayas.

“Apart from Davao, there are many areas in Mindanao. There are many damaged roads and stalled bridges that need to be fixed,” he added.

Dizon emphasized amid concerns about incorrect grid coordinates in flood control projects that the probe into infrastructure irregularities extends beyond them.

“Many issues in the department need to be addressed. As investigations continue in the coming weeks, we will file cases with the Office of the Ombudsman,” Dizon said.

Insulate system

Dizon added that there is a need to insulate the system from human manipulation and human intervention.

That is precisely why we have a transparency portal — to ensure that our fellow citizens can monitor the various projects.

Ongoing reforms within the department will also be discussed, aimed at strengthening meritocracy in the agency.

“Part of the reforms includes recruiting fresh graduates and newly licensed engineers. We must make the department a true meritocracy, not one driven by connections or patronage, where promotions and retention are based on performance, not on whom you know, even if your work in the district is substandard,” Dizon explained.

No more bogus firms

Hao-siao or fly-by-night contractors have no place in any project implemented by DPWH, Dizon added.

“We will not allow hao siao’s, that is not needed. As I see it, when we bring down the cost of materials, many legitimate contractors will be coming in to participate,” Dizon indicated.

He committed to reforming the agency’s budget-planning system to prevent projects from stalling.

Dizon said this after he inspected the pothole-ridden portion of the MacArthur Highway in Apalit, Pampanga, which local DPWH officials have failed to repair for the past five years due to a supposed lack of funds.