Dizon:  DPWH to pursue graft and corruption charges against erring officials

PRESIDENT Marcos is determined to resolve all anomalous flood control projects, including filing of cases against erring government officials before the Office of the Ombudsman.

This was stressed by Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon during his special appearance at the Kapihan ng Samahang Plaridel at the Rizal Park Hotel along T.M. Kalaw Ave., Manila on Friday.

“As instructed by President Marcos himself,  we will continue to pursue all cases against erring officials and continue referring cases before the Office of the Ombudsman,” said Dizon during the forum presented by the Association of Philippine Journalists-Samahang Plaridel Foundation, Inc. and sponsored by PAGCOR, PCSO and Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko” Moreno.

Dizon, who was appointed as DPWH head only last August 2025,  said he is closely coordinating with the Office of the Ombudsman and other concerned government agencies to file the necessary graft and corruption charges.

Dizon, however, refused to  give the names of  the officials involved,  saying the Ombudsman will make the  proper announcement in time.

“We will let the Ombudsman to make the announcement. Ayaw naman natin silang pangunahan,” Dizon told a big crowd that included  Samahang Plaridel president Evelyn Quiroz and moderators Raymund Burgos and Carmelita “Twinkle” Valdez.

So far,  Dizon said the government has already filed graft and corruption charges against  more than 40 individuals, including at least 20  and officials of the DPWH.

Meanwhile, Dizon reported a huge turnout for the DPWH-initiated Campus Job Fair Tour since it started last January.

“Isa sa mga reporma natin na isinusulong ay yung pag-recruit sa mga  hanay ng mga graduating students para pumasok sa DPWH. Kailangan natin ng mga new blood, mga bagong engineers, bagong accountants, bagong architects,”explained Dizon.

“Nauna na tayo sa Mapua, sumunod sa La Salle University. Nagpunta din tayo sa Batangas State University, na kung saan may pinaka-madaming engineering at technical graduates. Kahapon, nagpunta naman kami sa PUP, na kung saan more  than 700 ang nag-apply. Sa ibang universities, 500 or less. Kaya nakatutuwa naman na kahit bumaba ang tiwala ng mga tao sa DPWH, madami pa ding mga kabataan ang gustong tumulong. Nandun pa din yung sense of patriotism nila.”

Asked about the works being done by the DPWH along Maharlika Highway, Dizon said these are all temporary, short-term solution.

“What we are doing now along Maharlika Highways is just temporary short-term solution. We want our travelers to have smooth travels this Holy Week,” he said. 

“Current projects now are reblocking, only few segments left. We need to finish the works before Holy Week.”

He assured  that  more comprehensive works  cover the provinces of Quezon, Bicol, Camarines Sur, Albay and Samar would be done after Holy Week.