The Market Monitor Minding the Nation's Business
The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has suspended the approval of personal foreign travel applications for three months as investigations intensify into controversial flood control projects involving its personnel.
In a memorandum issued Friday, DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan ordered the suspension of all applications for Authority to Travel Abroad for personal reasons, except in cases of urgent medical needs.
“Effective immediately until the end of November 2025, or until further notice, all requests for authority to travel abroad for personal reasons are suspended,” the order read, stressing that the move is in line with the agency’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and integrity.
The suspension comes as the House Congressional Infrastructure Committee (INFRACOM) investigates alleged anomalies in flood control projects. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. earlier directed the DPWH to submit a complete list of projects implemented since 2022, after personally inspecting a substandard flood control project in Oriental Mindoro.
House spokesperson Princess Abante, speaking at the MACHRA Balitaan on Friday, said INFRACOM will leave no stone unturned in its probe.
“You can’t just accuse; there must be proof. That’s where INFRACOM comes in,” Abante said, adding that both executive officials and lawmakers will be held accountable if evidence warrants.
She noted that INFRACOM is open to forming an independent body to investigate if members of Congress themselves are implicated.
Abante also confirmed that INFRACOM chair Rep. Terry Ridon will invite Baguio Mayor Benjamin Magalong to present evidence under oath to support his corruption allegations.