Flood control mess: Dizon admits no direct evidence linking PCAB

CEBU, Philippines — While no direct links have yet been established between the Philippine Contractors Accreditation Board (PCAB), chaired by Cebuano Engineer Pericles “Ricky” Dakay, and recent flood control project failures, Public Works and Highways Secretary Vince Dizon stressed that accountability will be pursued “every step of the way.”

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has ordered an investigation into infrastructure projects nationwide following mounting concerns over ghost projects, substandard construction, and possible contractor negligence.

“Thousands of projects all over the country… we have no choice, we have to fix them (if found to be substandard),” Dizon said in a press briefing the other day.

Dizon admitted that there is no concrete plan yet but assured the public that corrective measures will be enforced.

“I don’t know how yet, I don’t know how long. But the contractor will be held accountable.”

The probe comes amid reports of structural deficiencies in several regions, including Bulacan’s 1st District. Dizon clarified that the problem is not isolated, warning of systemic lapses in quality control and oversight.

“This is not just about one district. We need to correct everything. It won’t be easy,” he added.

According to Dizon, the review will include a “top-to-bottom cleansing” of the DPWH system, covering not just contractors but also agency officials and personnel. Both administrative and criminal liabilities will be pursued.

He acknowledged, however, the complexity of DPWH’s processes and its entanglements with congressional oversight.

“Every step of the way, people have to account for this. From the bottom, we go up—left, right, top to bottom. It’s a vast system,” he said.

The PCAB, which operates under the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), is also under scrutiny for possible lapses in contractor regulation and oversight. Dizon said no links have been established so far but did not rule out further inquiry.

“Sa PCAB, wala pang nakikitang links. But we will be looking at it also. We’ll need to work with Secretary Cris Roque of DTI,” he said.

Despite admitting he does not yet fully grasp the intricacies of DPWH’s systems and its interactions with Congress, Dizon vowed to push for reforms.

“I still don’t fully understand the complexities of the system in DPWH and Congress,” he said candidly. “But definitely, PCAB is part of this. We’re just not there yet.”

The DPWH’s sweeping review is expected to affect thousands of contractors and projects nationwide. Civil society groups and local officials, meanwhile, are calling for transparency, urging the department to release audit findings and ensure future projects meet national standards. — (FREEMAN)