Vince Dizon vows probe on contractor links of DPWH execs

Public Works and Highways Secretary Vince Dizon on Thursday vowed to investigate and remove any DPWH officials found colluding with contractors.

In a press conference in response to Batangas Rep Leandro Leviste, Dizon denied any conflict of interest but said he welcomed scrutiny and vowed swift action if evidence is presented.

“Narinig ko ang press conference ni Cong. Leandro Leviste at nagpapasalamat ako sa kanya… Dapat lahat ng mga kababayan natin, kapag meron kayong impormasyon tungkol sa kahit na sino na miyembro ng DPWH, binubusisi,” Dizon said.

(I heard Congressman Leviste’s press conference and I thank him… I encourage everyone: if you have information about any DPWH member, it should be scrutinized.)

Leviste said that members of Dizon's team are government contractors, if not linked to government contractors

“Kung masasabi sa akin ni Congressman Leviste ang sino at ang detalye ng sinabi niya… Believe me, I will act on it,” he added.

(If Congressman Leviste can tell me who and the details of what he said… believe me, I will act on it.)

Dizon said he has already ordered an internal probe and promised to immediately remove or even file charges against any DPWH officials proven to have contractor links.

“Mag-iimbestiga na rin ako on my own boundaries… I will never tolerate it. At immediately, tanggal ‘yan makakasuhan ko pa,” he said.

(I will investigate on my own… I will never tolerate it. I’ll remove them immediately, I may even file charges.)

While acknowledging that most DPWH officials naturally know contractors due to the nature of their work, Dizon stressed that professional contact is different from corruption.

“Walang taga-DPWH na walang kilalang contractor. Iba ‘yung may kinakausap, iba ‘yung nanghihingi sa contractor, ibang usapan ‘yon,” he said.

(No one in DPWH doesn’t know any contractor. There’s a difference between talking to contractors and asking money from them — that’s a different story.)

Dizon added that he looks forward to speaking directly with Leviste to clarify the lawmaker’s claims and obtain names or details to substantiate the allegations.

“I look forward to having a conversation with Congressman Leviste,” he said. 

“If possible, give me specifics, names, and circumstances. I will act on it,” he added. —AOL, GMA Integrated News