DPWH Chief Vince Dizon Commits to Legal Action Against Corrupt Officials
In a significant development at the Kapihan ng Samahang Plaridel event held at Rizal Park Hotel in Manila on Friday, March 13, 2026, Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon provided crucial updates on the agency's ongoing reforms and anti-corruption efforts. Dizon emphasized the department's unwavering commitment to pursuing graft and corruption cases involving DPWH personnel and contractors, particularly in relation to questionable flood control projects.
Continued Prosecution of Anomalous Flood Control Projects
Secretary Dizon firmly declared that the DPWH will persist in filing charges against officials and employees implicated in anomalous flood control initiatives. "We will continue referring cases before the Office of the Ombudsman," he stated during the forum. When pressed for specifics regarding the charges and the identities of those involved, Dizon maintained a cautious approach, noting, "We will let the Ombudsman to make the announcement." This stance underscores the department's adherence to legal protocols while ensuring transparency in its anti-corruption drive.
To date, over 40 individuals, including at least 20 DPWH personnel and officials, have faced graft and corruption charges due to their involvement in these dubious projects. This crackdown highlights the agency's intensified efforts to root out malfeasance and restore public trust in infrastructure development programs.
Temporary Measures and Long-Term Plans for Maharlika Highway
Shifting focus to infrastructure updates, Dizon detailed the current works along Maharlika Highway, which spans from Luzon through Visayas and Mindanao. He clarified that the ongoing activities are merely temporary, short-term solutions aimed at ensuring smooth travel during the upcoming Holy Week. "What we are doing now along Maharlika Highways is just temporary short-term solution as we want our travelers to have smooth travels this Holy Week," he explained.
The immediate projects involve reblocking, with only a few segments remaining. Dizon stressed the urgency of completing these works before Holy Week to minimize disruptions for commuters. "Current projects now are reblocking, only few segments left. We need to finish the works before Holy Week," he added.
Comprehensive Rehabilitation Projects Post-Holy Week
Looking beyond the Lenten season, Dizon outlined more extensive rehabilitation plans for Maharlika Highway. "After Holy Week, we will start with the procurement and bidding for the extensive rehabilitation projects," he announced. These projects will cover key provinces including Quezon, Bicol, Camarines Sur, Albay, and Samar, aiming to address long-standing infrastructure needs.
Regarding the budget for these comprehensive works, Dizon indicated that estimates are not yet finalized. "We don't have the estimate yet, what we have right now are the designs," he said, highlighting the preliminary stage of planning. The department targets to complete these rehabilitation projects by June 2027, setting a clear timeline for improved highway conditions and enhanced travel safety across regions.
This dual focus on anti-corruption measures and infrastructure development reflects DPWH's broader strategy to enhance accountability and efficiency in public works, ultimately benefiting Filipino communities nationwide.
