Dizon orders suspension of all re-blocking projects

Department of Public Works and Highways Secretary Vince Dizon has ordered the immediate suspension of all road reblocking projects nationwide, citing concerns that such activities may be used as a means for corruption.

“Gagawa din ako ng bagong department order on reblocking (I will also issue a new department order on reblocking),” Dizon added.

Road reblocking involves tearing up and replacing portions of roads, often under the justification of repair or maintenance.

However, Dizon acknowledged growing public suspicion over the practice, especially when seemingly undamaged roads are demolished and rebuilt.

“Bakit ba ang DPWH binabakbak ang mga kalye na parang okay naman para lang gawin ulit. Well, siguro, sa maraming pagkakataon, alam na natin kung bakit kasi pinagkakakitaan lang iyon. Pinagkakakitaan yung pagsisira. Pinagkakakitaan din 'yung paggagawa ulit (Why does the DPWH tear up roads that seem to be in good condition just to redo them? Well, in many cases, we probably already know the reason, because it’s being used for profit. There's money to be made in breaking the roads, and there's money to be made in fixing them again),” Dizon said in Filipino.

Dizon clarified that the suspension does not cover ongoing maintenance works on roads that are genuinely damaged and require immediate repair.

During the briefing, the secretary cited questionable reblocking activities reported in Bocaue, Bulacan, and Tuguegarao City, Cagayan. He said these incidents are currently under review.

The upcoming department order, according to Dizon, will include new safeguards to prevent misuse of funds and eliminate opportunities for corruption in reblocking projects.

He urged the public to report any road reblocking activities that continue despite the suspension.

Dizon also issued a warning to DPWH personnel, stating that district engineers who violate the suspension order will face disciplinary action.