Administration Cracks Down on Flood Control Corruption
The administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has begun holding individuals accountable for their involvement in the controversial flood control scandal, according to Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon. The announcement came on Wednesday following the filing of the first batch of cases against prominent figures and former officials.
First Batch of Cases Filed
The Office of the Ombudsman filed cases at the anti-graft court Sandiganbayan on Tuesday against former Ako Bicol party-list Representative Elizaldy Co, several officials from DPWH Mimaropa, and board members of Sunwest Corporation. The case centers on the construction of a road dike along the Mag-Asawang Tubig River in Oriental Mindoro, which was valued at over PHP289 million and was found to be substandard.
Secretary Dizon emphasized that the government is confident about the strength of their cases against the accused. He stated that the evidence gathered is substantial and expects arrest warrants to be issued within the coming days. The speed of this particular case is notable, as it reached the Sandiganbayan in less than two months, moving faster than typical graft and corruption cases.
Charges and Legal Proceedings
The accused are facing serious charges including alleged violation of Article 217 in relation to Article 171(4) of the Revised Penal Code, which involves malversation of public funds through falsification of public documents. Additionally, they are charged with violating Section 3(e) of Republic Act 3019, the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.
Dizon revealed that this is just the beginning of the government's anti-corruption drive. Former DPWH officials and contractors involved in ghost and substandard flood control projects in Bulacan will be the next to face charges. This follows President Marcos Jr.'s direct order to immediately ensure that public money is recovered, those responsible are charged, and imprisonment occurs as soon as possible.
Government's Commitment to Accountability
The DPWH chief echoed the President's sentiments, acknowledging the public's frustration with corruption. "This is what the President is saying: we are all impatient, we are all angry—the people. But we need to follow the process to ensure that those who should be held accountable are held accountable," Dizon explained.
The administration's aggressive stance against corruption in infrastructure projects signals a significant shift in how the government handles public fund mismanagement. The rapid progression of these cases demonstrates the administration's commitment to transparency and accountability in public service.
