Dizon inspects ‘failed’ flood control project in Oriental Mindoro

Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon expressed frustration after inspecting a newly-completed flood control project in Barangay Tagumpay, Naujan, Oriental Mindoro, which was found to be defective less than a year after its construction.

Dizon’s inspection was a direct result of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to investigate “ghost” flood control projects and those built to substandard specifications, the DPWH said in a social media post.

“Clearly, it’s not a ghost project. It exists, but I immediately see major problems not just in the construction but in the process itself. This is where we get to the structural and systemic problems within the DPWH,” Dizon said during the inspection with Oriental Mindoro Governor Humerlito Dolor.

The project, which was supposed to have a depth of 12 meters, was found to be only three meters deep.

Secretary Dizon ordered a halt to the project’s construction to review its plans and prevent further waste of government funds. He also summoned the former regional director involved in the project’s construction to explain what happened.

“Everyone responsible for this will be held accountable. That is the President’s only order. Everyone who needs to be held accountable must be,” Dizon said.

Dolor also informed Dizon that in addition to the substandard construction, the 1.5-kilometer project was seemingly split into multiple smaller projects with different contractors, when it could have been bid out as a single project.

“This stretch is seven projects. Five phases. They have the same amount and same location. Why was it chopped up when it’s the same contractor, same bidding date, same award date, same contract date, same notice to proceed date, and same company receipt date?” Dolor said.

The three contractors for the project were St. Timothy Construction Corp., Elite General Contractor and Development Corp. and Sunwest Construction and Development Corp.

“This is truly infuriating. This is a blatant violation of the contract terms. Our countrymen are suffering from severe flooding, and this project, which is supposed to protect them, can’t even do its job,” Dizon said.