Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon said the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) will file charges against Hi-Tone Construction and Development Corporation for failing to repair a section of the Navotas City Coastal Dike damaged over a year ago.
The DPWH chief issued the statement after inspecting the dike with Public Works Undersecretary Arthur Bisnar, Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Honey Rose Mercado, Mayor John Reynald Tiangco, and Rep. Toby Tiangco on Monday.
Hi-Tone Construction is owned by Christopher Co, brother of the resigned Ako-Bicol party-list representative, Zaldy Co.
“Ang gagawin na lang natin, idedemanda na lang natin `yung Hi-Tone Construction dahil hindi lang niya sinira, hanggang ngayon, ilang buwan na ang nakalipas, hindi pa niya pinapagawa,” he said.
(All we can do now is file a case against Hi-Tone Construction because not only did they cause the damage, but even after several months, they still haven’t carried out the repairs.)
This declaration follows an incident in October 2024 when a barge crashed into the concrete structure during Typhoon Kristine, leading to a portion of the dike collapsing.
Dizon also said that the DPWH will handle the reconstruction of the dike, which is crucial for protecting residents from flooding.
“Kakasuhan natin itong Hi-Tone Construction, para hindi lang ibalik `yung perang gagastusin natin dito. Kailangang managot sila para dun sa nasirang portion ng dike dyan sa Navotas,” he added.
(We will file a case against Hi-Tone Construction, not just to recover the funds spent, but to hold them accountable for the damaged section of the Navotas dike)
Reports indicated that parts of the streets in Navotas became impassable to light vehicles due to flood waters reaching 18 inches deep.
In August, Hi-Tone Construction and Development Corporation was singled out by President Marcos as one of the Top 15 contractors that cornered a 20 percent share of the P545 billion budget allocated for flood control projects between July 2022 and May 2025.
