Dizon: DPWH cooperating with Ombudsman flood-control probe in Cebu

CEBU CITY, Philippines — The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is cooperating with the Office of the Ombudsman in its investigation into about ₱60 billion worth of flood-control projects implemented across Cebu over the past six years.

DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon said the agency has submitted the documents requested for the investigation and is now awaiting the Ombudsman’s findings and succeeding actions.

“Since the Ombudsman already has all the information and the evidence, let us trust and wait for the Ombudsman on the next steps they will take,” Dizon told reporters during his Cebu visit on August 11.

The investigation follows severe flooding in parts of Cebu last month, raising questions over the effectiveness and implementation of flood-control projects funded across the province.

Ombudsman Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla said the probe will examine projects in flood-affected areas and determine whether failures resulted from design issues, poor implementation, or possible corruption.

Ombudsman review

Remulla announced the investigation during his Cebu visit on August 10, saying investigators would begin by identifying flooded areas and reviewing the flood-control projects implemented there.

The review will also cover the DPWH Regional Director’s office and district engineering offices, with investigators examining project outputs and how these performed during recent flooding.

The Ombudsman is also using digital tools to verify project locations and assess allegations involving ghost projects and possible violations of technical and contractual requirements.

Separate Balamban probe

Separately, the alleged ghost flood-control projects in Barangay Singsing, Balamban, Cebu, are the subject of a different investigation involving the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and Department of Justice (DOJ).

Dizon said the DPWH is coordinating with the Ombudsman and the NBI as investigators continue building their case before any possible court proceedings.

“Each of us [has] their own roles. It is the role of the Ombudsman to investigate and prosecute. That is also the role of the NBI and the DOJ. Let us allow them to do their jobs,” Dizon said.

The DOJ earlier opened a preliminary investigation into 20 individuals allegedly linked to two flood-control projects in Balamban following separate criminal complaints filed by the NBI.

The complaints accuse the respondents of graft, malversation, falsification, and procurement violations involving projects under the DPWH Cebu 3rd District Engineering Office.

Flood-control projects in Cebu

Dizon’s Cebu visit also focused on proposed and ongoing flood-mitigation measures in Cebu City and Mandaue City, particularly areas that have experienced recurring flooding.

Six projects in Mandaue City were discussed, covering flood-prone sections of A.S. Fortuna Street, U.N. Avenue, A.C. Cortes Avenue, M.L. Quezon Avenue, and Innodata in Barangay Subangdaku.

The projects include drainage upgrades, a pumping station, and a floodgate intended to improve the movement and discharge of floodwater in affected areas.

In Cebu City, the proposed approach for Barangays Kinasang-an and Basak Pardo involves improving drainage systems to direct floodwater from the national highway toward the reclamation area in South Road Properties.

Dizon said several projects for Cebu City are already funded for implementation this year and next year, although specific allocations have yet to be disclosed.

He said the figures remain unavailable as the proposed 2027 National Expenditure Program is still being processed. / with reports from Pia Piquero and Lyle Andales

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