DPWH chief demands stricter project inspections

Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon has stressed the need for department heads to personally inspect ongoing infrastructure projects, saying stricter monitoring is necessary to ensure completion and hold negligent officials accountable.

Dizon also criticized what he described as a lack of urgency among district engineers and some officials of agencies, saying they appeared indifferent to unfinished roads, bridges, and other infrastructure projects.

Dizon’s remarks underscored the need for direct inspections rather than relying solely on reports from district engineers, whose performance and commitment to completing projects should not be taken for granted.

He said officials responsible for monitoring projects must also be held accountable, including through legal action when evidence establishes negligence or wrongdoing.

He said personal inspections would help ensure that projects are completed on schedule, meet quality standards, and remain within budget, regardless of changes in government leadership.

“If the Secretary himself goes there” and demands compliance with deadlines, quality control, and budget requirements, Dizon said, officials would be compelled to act. He also warned that those who steal public funds could face imprisonment.

Dizon cited instances in which projects were completed within six months or even 45 days under strict monitoring, arguing that sustained oversight could prevent infrastructure projects from being abandoned when a congressman, secretary, or governor leaves office.

To ensure continuity, Dizon also pushed for multi-year contracts under the proposed 2027 budget, saying ongoing projects should receive funding covering the full period needed for completion.

He said the policy was intended to prevent projects from being left unfinished because of funding interruptions or changes in administration. VITO BARCELO JR.