DPWH targets assets in flood control scam

Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon vowed to go beyond jailing corrupt officials as he set a meeting with the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) this week to freeze and forfeit assets of those behind anomalous flood control projects worth billions.

“It is not enough that they go to jail. People’s money must be returned,” Dizon stressed in a Friday briefing at the DPWH head office. He said every criminal case filed with the Ombudsman will be matched with efforts to recover stolen funds.

The DPWH chief also formed a special team to run after erring contractors, invoking contract warranties. “Ghost projects will be chased. It is part of their civil obligations to return the people’s money,” he said.

Dizon on Thursday filed charges before the Ombudsman against more than 20 former officials of the Bulacan 1st District Engineering Office, along with several contractors, for graft, malversation, and violations of procurement laws. He warned that new cases will be filed weekly, with Oriental Mindoro projects next in line.

Meanwhile, Dizon relieved Internal Affairs OIC Mikhail Tupaz after a security guard accused him of abuse. “Effective immediately,” his order read, adding that the guard and his wife will pursue a formal complaint.