Justice Moves Forward in Flood Control Scam — Dizon Pledges Accountability
The administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is taking decisive steps to hold individuals accountable for the alleged flood control scandal in the Philippines, according to Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon.
This comes after the filing of the first batch of cases against former Ako Bicol party-list Representative Elizaldy Co and several former DPWH officials over anomalous flood control projects in Oriental Mindoro. The cases were submitted to the Sandiganbayan, the country’s anti-graft court, on Tuesday.
DPWH Confident in Solid Cases
Secretary Dizon assured the public that the government is confident in the strength of the cases being filed against those implicated in the scandal.
“This is what the President is saying: we are all impatient, we are all angry—the people. But we need to follow the process to ensure that those who should be held accountable are held accountable,” Dizon said during a press briefing.
He also highlighted that the cases concerning the flood control scam are moving faster than typical graft and corruption cases in the Philippines. “It was filed in the Sandiganbayan less than two months ago, and we think that the arrest warrants will be issued in the next few days,” Dizon added.
Next Targets: Bulacan Flood Control Projects
Dizon confirmed that former DPWH officials and contractors involved in ghost and substandard flood control projects in Bulacan are next in line for legal action.
The move aligns with President Marcos Jr.’s directive to ensure that public funds are returned, those responsible are formally charged, and individuals implicated in these anomalies are swiftly brought to justice.
Details of the First Case
On Tuesday, the Office of the Ombudsman filed charges at the Sandiganbayan against:
Former Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Elizaldy Co
Several officials of DPWH Mimaropa
Board members of Sunwest Corporation
The case centers on the construction of a road dike along the Mag-Asawang Tubig River valued at over PHP 289 million, which was found to be substandard.
The accused are facing charges for:
Malversation of public funds through falsification of public documents (Articles 217 and 171(4) of the Revised Penal Code)
Violation of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act (Section 3[e] of Republic Act 3019)
These charges highlight the gravity of the alleged irregularities in government flood control projects and underscore the administration’s commitment to transparency and accountability.
Swift Justice as a Priority
The rapid filing of these cases signals a more proactive approach to fighting corruption in public infrastructure projects. Dizon emphasized that, compared to other graft cases, the government aims to accelerate proceedings to restore public trust and ensure that taxpayer money is protected.
For many citizens, the flooding caused by inadequate infrastructure has been a recurring problem, and the exposure of ghost and substandard projects has only fueled public frustration. By pursuing legal action against those responsible, the administration aims to deliver justice and prevent future misuse of public funds
Looking Ahead
As investigations continue, the government is expected to file additional cases against other DPWH officials and contractors involved in similar anomalies. Legal experts anticipate that the Sandiganbayan proceedings will serve as a warning to public officials and private contractors alike, emphasizing the importance of integrity in government projects.
The Marcos administration’s firm stance on the flood control scandal also signals a broader commitment to eradicating corruption in public works, improving infrastructure quality, and protecting the interests of Filipino taxpayers.
Takeaway
The filing of these initial cases represents a crucial step toward accountability in government projects. With the legal process moving swiftly, Filipino citizens can expect that those who mismanaged public funds for flood control projects will be held responsible, and corrective measures will follow.
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