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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider DPWH braces for internal 'cleansing' over Bulacan flood project anomalies

DPWH braces for internal 'cleansing' over Bulacan flood project anomalies

Published Aug 23, 2025 05:01 pm
Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Manuel M. Bonoan (Senate PRIB Photo)
Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Manuel M. Bonoan (Senate PRIB Photo)
The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) on Saturday, Aug. 23, moved to hold erring officials accountable as it prepared for a sweeping internal “cleansing” over alleged ghost and substandard flood control projects in Bulacan.
In a radio interview, DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan said district engineers and other personnel implicated in the anomalies are under review, with cases and sanctions expected to follow.
“We will look into who is involved in the creation of these inferior and ghost projects. I think we’ll have to file all the necessary cases and sanctions, and let it serve as a lesson to everyone that we will not allow this kind of thing to happen,” Bonoan declared.
The agency’s ongoing audit has flagged questionable projects in Bulacan Engineering District 1, placing District Engineer Henry Alcantara on “floating status” pending his explanation.
Bonoan added that additional sanctions will be imposed if the audit findings are unsatisfactory.
At a Senate blue ribbon committee hearing, Bonoan revealed that a single contractor secured 85 projects worth ₱5.971 billion in the first district, intensifying scrutiny of procurement and oversight in flood control works.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., expressing “very angry” over the alleged anomalies, has been personally inspecting flood control projects after warning officials against stealing public funds in his State of the Nation Address.
The controversy has put Bonoan under political pressure, with some senators questioning his leadership and Senator Sherwin Gatchalian urging him to resign “out of delicadeza.”
Bonoan, however, said any leave would be at the president’s discretion, stressing that the decision rests with Malacañang.
Bonoan maintained that corruption issues remain “manageable” and most DPWH personnel are “very professional,” while acknowledging that some officials may face external pressures.
“If anyone feels pressured by someone, let me know and I will handle it,” he added, stressing the need to cleanse the organization if necessary.

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