DPWH Vows ‘Airtight’ Cases in Crackdown on Ghost Flood Projects

DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon

DPWH Vows ‘Airtight’ Cases in Crackdown on Ghost Flood Projects

By Bing Jabadan & Wilma N. Yamzon – TheNationWeek.Com | October 16, 2025

MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is escalating its fight against corruption, promising to deliver strong evidence to the Independent Committee on Infrastructure (ICI) in the case of 421 “ghost” flood control projects.

The move raises the crucial question: Can the DPWH truly prosecute all those involved, even if they include powerful political figures like former House Speaker and Leyte 1st District Rep. Martin Romualdez and Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Zaldy Co, names frequently associated with infrastructure projects?

DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon declared on Wednesday that the department is amassing “testimonial and documentary evidence” sufficient to build airtight cases against the masterminds behind these non-existent projects.

The DPWH commitment extends beyond simply filing charges. Dizon vowed to ensure the culprits are brought to justice. “We will not just file cases, but we will also ensure that the culprits will be put behind bars,” Dizon stressed.

His discussions with ICI advisor and retired police chief Rodolfo Azurin Jr. have paved the way for the filing of 15 to 20 cases before the Office of the Ombudsman within the next two weeks.

However, Dizon remained tight-lipped on the identities of those facing charges, including whether lawmakers are implicated, citing his desire to avoid preempting the ICI’s investigation.

This deliberate ambiguity fuels speculation about the potential involvement of influential figures and the DPWH’s resolve to pursue justice regardless of political connections.

The DPWH’s commitment to tackling corruption in infrastructure projects is a welcome development. The success of this endeavor, however, hinges on its ability to overcome potential political obstacles and ensure accountability across the board.