Villar: Revamp at DPWH will be based on accomplishment

By Weng Ocfemia

Incoming Public Works Secretary Mark Villar has vowed to make all transactions at the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) transparent to allay fears of conflict of interest due to the real-estate business of his family. 

“Infrastructure is critical in the next six years and this will be the biggest challenge in my life, so I want to make a positive change in order to make a difference and hit the ground running,” Villar said.

He added that his priority is tourism convergence, Mindanao logistics and solving traffic congestion through proper coordination with the Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC) and the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) to make construction pace faster.

To further alleviate traffic congestion, Villar said, the government has already plans to construct a flyover in Edsa-Taft Ave. and a bridge across the Pasig River, among other projects.

When asked if he plans to reshuffle the officials at the DPWH, the young incoming secretary said he will continue to professionalize the department and any reorganization will be based on the accomplishment.

Meanwhile, outgoing Public Works Secretary Rogelio L. Singson warned DPWH officials and contractors against those calling them or sending them messages about their “connections” with the incoming new administration.

Name-droppers and influence peddlers are expected to operate, especially during the transition period, Singson said.

The DPWH chief said he himself has been receiving reports, directly and from the field, that impostors were calling regional directors requesting the names of DPWH big contractors to broker a meeting with Villar.

“Be vigilant about calls and messages, as some people have started using the name of Congressman Mark including Mr. Peter Laviña, the incoming President’s campaign spokesman,” Singson said.

He also said that all contractors doing business with the department are indicated on the list of infrastructure projects per region that are posted in the DPWH website and there is no reason to provide similar information to unknown persons.

Singson, as head of the DPWH Presidential Transition Committee together with public works undersecretaries, has been giving detailed briefing to Villar about the DPWH’s operations as part of the transition process for the turnover of leadership.