Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon on Friday said fly-by-night or “hao-siao” contractors will no longer be allowed to take part in DPWH projects, as he vowed reforms to prevent delays and stalled infrastructure work.

“Hao-siao or fly-by-night contractors has no place in all projects to be implemented by the DPWH,” Dizon said. “We will not allow hao siao’s, hindi na pwede. As I see it when we bring down the cost of materials many legitimate contractors will be coming in to participate.”

Dizon made the remarks after inspecting a pothole-ridden stretch of MacArthur Highway in Apalit, Pampanga, which has remained unrepaired for nearly five years due to what local DPWH officials cited as lack of funds.

“It’s very shoert, wala pang 500 metro pero five years nang hindi nagagawa… Dati, P38 million lang, hindi mapondohan?! Pu******* P1 trillion ang budget ng DPWH,” a visibly frustrated Dizon said.

He directed the Pampanga 1st District Engineering Office to finally fix the road before the onset of the rainy season, using DPWH savings from 2025. Dizon said the office committed to complete the project before the rains, adding that work could run 24/7 if necessary.

Dizon also assured the public that daily operations of the Pampanga 1st DEO will not be disrupted despite his suspension of the district engineer amid an ongoing investigation into alleged anomalous flood control projects.

During the inspection, Dizon also visited the road dike in Barangay Cupang, Arayat, Pampanga, which collapsed during Typhoon Uwan last year and has since sunk further, rendering it impassable to large vehicles.

Pampanga Vice Gov. Dennis Pineda, who joined the inspection, urged Dizon to implement immediate measures to protect communities ahead of the rainy season, warning that neglect could allow floodwaters to reach Arayat, Sta. Ana, Mexico proper and even San Fernando.

Dizon agreed and said both short-term and long-term solutions are being considered, including large-scale dredging and desilting of the Pampanga River.

He said the Pampanga River Basin Flood Control Master Plan is among the priorities to be updated and implemented by the DPWH and the Technical Working Group on Flood Management, which includes former public works secretary Rogelio Singson and Project NOAH executive director Mahar Lagmay.

Dizon said that once a clear plan is finalized, he will ensure that only qualified and legitimate contractors are chosen to carry out the projects.