DEPARTMENT of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon has ordered an immediate investigation into several long-delayed and multi-million-peso infrastructure projects across the Davao Region, explicitly stating that the core issue plaguing the agency is “systemic corruption from top to bottom.”
In a press conference with Davao media on Sept. 25, 2025, at the DPWH Engineering Office in Panacan, Secretary Dizon signaled a broad audit of regional projects by the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI).
He specifically demanded details for the P516 million Tuganay Bridge in Carmen, Davao del Norte, a project notorious for its prolonged delays and public complaints.
“Send me the details of Tuganay Bridge… We will look into it,” Dizon told DPWH XI director Juby B. Cordon.
The secretary also addressed the maligned Ma-a Flyover, which began construction in April 2022.
“Many are complaining why it’s so delayed, it has taken a long time, so I want to understand why it’s delayed,” Dizon said, promising a follow-up visit due to the sheer volume of projects in Davao.
Flood control projects also targeted
Accountability will also be sought for ongoing flood control measures in the region.
Dizon requested urgent documentation on flood control projects in Mawab, Davao de Oro, and Nabunturan, stating he and the Regional Director would visit the sites immediately.
When questioned about a stalled P900-million flood control project in Laverna, RD Cordon attributed the delay to protracted negotiations over right-of-way issues, which she claimed were only recently settled after years of negotiation.
Despite the right-of-way explanations, Dizon made it clear that bureaucratic issues often mask deeper problems.
“But more than the right-of-way problem, what really needs to be cleaned up here is the systemic corruption from top to bottom here in the DPWH,” he asserted, warning that all reports will be followed up, and “no one will escape” accountability.
Photo courtesy of The Mindanao Newscaster (TMN)
