At A Glance
- DPWH demands full repair of Navotas Coastal Dike by February, holding Manfel Cargo Shipping Corp. accountable.
- DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon warns of legal action, while High Tone contractor proves timely repair is possible.
Navotas coastal dike damaged last year, with DPWH ordering full repairs by February to protect communities from flooding. (Photo courtesy of DPWH)
The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has demanded the full repair of the damaged Navotas Coastal Dike by February, stressing that the structure must be restored to safety standards to protect coastal communities from flooding.
DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon said the firm responsible for damaging more than 50 meters of the dike last year will be held fully accountable.
Dizon identified Manfel Cargo Shipping Corp. as the owner of the vessel that caused the damage to the coastal structure.
“It is their responsibility—they damaged it, so they must fix it,” Dizon said, warning that noncompliance could lead to multiple legal cases to be filed in coordination with the Office of the Solicitor General (OSG).
He explained that repair works were delayed after Manfel paid only 10 percent of the contractor’s fees.
However, Dizon stressed that payment issues cannot justify leaving the dike in a compromised condition, especially with lives and property at risk.
The DPWH chief also noted that High Tone, the contractor responsible for another damaged section of the dike, has already completed its repairs, demonstrating that timely completion is both feasible and expected.