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Bonoan dared to look into alleged DPWH 'syndicate'; here's his answer

Philippines | National

Bonoan dared to look into alleged DPWH 'syndicate'; here's his answer

By Ellson Quismorio

Makabayan solon ACT Teachers Party-list Rep. France Castro issued a dare to Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Manuel Bonoan. The latter said, "G."

DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan (left) and ACT Teachers Party-list Rep. France Castro (Screenshot from Zoom)

Castro, during the House Committee on Appropriations' consideration of the DPWH's proposed budget for 2023, raised the allegations on the presence of a "syndicate" within the agency that victimizes congressmen.

Recently, Senator and former House Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano alleged that there's a syndicate within the DPWH that purposely shaves off the budget allocation of district representatives.

“Are you willing to investigate kung meron mang ganito (if there really is a syndicate) and make them accountable? Kasi nako-compromise yung project nung ating mga district representative (The projects of our district representatives are being compromised),” Castro asked Bonoan.

“Of course, not only investigate. That I will not tolerate under my watch," the DPWH head honcho replied.

The DPWH is the lead agency of government when it comes to the implementation of infrastructure projects.

Supposedly, the syndicate in the DPWH would eventually restore the budget that it slashed from congressman's infrastructure funds, but it would now get to determine the contractor of the project.

Bonoan even told the appropriations panel that he would fire on the spot the DPWH personnel who are involved in this activity.

“On my watch please tell me if anybody who has actually done this and I will fire him immediately," the secretary said.

Castro is a deputy minority leader in the House of Representatives.

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Makabayan DPWH dare Manuel Bonoan

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