DPWH, ICI to submit findings on Cebu flood control probe by Jan. 2026 —Dizon

The Department of Public Works and Highways and the Independent Commission for Infrastructure  are set to submit their findings and case referrals in relation to its probe into irregularities in flood control projects in Cebu, which was blamed for the massive flooding during Typhoon Tino’s onslaught, to the Office of the Ombudsman by January.

This was announced by Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon at a press conference in Manila on Thursday.

“Sa January, I think magiging ready na ang ICI at DPWH doon sa report ng mga gagawin nating pananagot sa Cebu dahil doon sa mga nakita nating problema sa flood control projects sa Cebu,” he said.

“Magiging ready na ang ICI at DPWH to submit the reports and our referrals to the Ombudsman by January… Madagdagan na naman ang mga mananagot,” he said.

Days after Cebu was ravaged by Typhoon Tino, the ICI along with the DPWH inspected flood control projects in Cebu.

According to the ICI, the DPWH said that some of the projects were implemented by the top 15 contractors mentioned by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

It  said that the inspection covered projects in the following areas:

• Barangay Tabok, Mandaue City, along the Butuanon River
• Barangay Alang-alang, Mandaue City, along the Butuanon River
• Barangay Tamiao, Municipality of Compostela
• Purok Gemelina, Municipality of Compostela
• Barangay Cotcot, Municipality of Liloan
• Salinas Drive, Barangay Lahug, Cebu City
• Mananga Bridge, Talisay City
• Dumlog Bridge, Barangay Biasong, Talisay City

The inspection was led by ICI special adviser General Rodolfo Azurin Jr. 

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has ordered an investigation into the effectiveness of flood control projects in Cebu after the province experienced severe flooding amid Typhoon Tino’s onslaught.

Year-end report card

Meanwhile, Dizon highlighted the DPWH's accomplishments so far in the ongoing crackdown on entities and personalities involved in the flood control corruption scandal.

"It's been a long three and a half months…Kahit papano… sa mga direktiba ng Pangulo, marami naman tayong natupad," Dizon said.

(It’s been a long three and a half months… We have accomplished many of the President's directives.)

The Public Works and Highways chief said the President has three marching orders for him in relation to the flood control corruption crackdown—hold those responsible accountable, recover stolen public funds, and reform the system to rid the agency of corruption.

Dizon took over the helm of the DPWH from Manny Bonoan in a leadership change that came amid allegations of corruption and anomalies in the country’s flood control projects. 

In particular, the President tasked Dizon to conduct a full organizational sweep of the agency and ensure that funds are being used wisely.

'Big fish'

In his presentation, Dizon said that 87 individuals have been recommended to be filed with charges of plunder, malversation, anti-graft, bribery and other charges.

Among those recommended to be filed with cases include former Speaker Martin Romualdez, former House Appropriations chair Zaldy Co, contractor Cezarah Rowena Discaya, former DPWH chief Bonoan, former senator Bong Revilla, Senator Jingoy Estrada, and Senator Joel Villanueva whom Dizon described as “big fish” in the ongoing corruption probe.

He added that 23 individuals were filed with cases in various courts, while nine were already arrested.

Dizon said that 90 individuals from the DPWH were either dismissed, suspended or with ongoing administrative cases.

In relation to recovery of alleged stolen public funds, the DPWH chief said P150 million was returned by ex-DPWH officials Henry Alcantara and Gerard Opulencia.

"'Di porket nag-resign, nag-retire o nagsauli… wala ka nang pananagutan (Just because you resigned, retired, or returned funds... doesn't mean you are no longer accountable)," Dizon said.

Discaya luxury vehicles

The DPWH chief also cited the P48 million collected from the auction of Discaya-owned luxury vehicles.

He also said that, so far, about P13 billion worth of assets have been frozen, which include 4,679 bank accounts, 283 insurance policies, eight air assets, 255 motor vehicles, 178 real properties, 16 e-wallet accounts, and three securities accounts.

In terms of reforms, Dizon said the DPWH launched a transparency portal in which the public can access information about infrastructure projects of the agency.

He said the agency will include in the portal the date on reduced construction materials “on a project per project basis” to ensure further transparency.

For 2026, Dizon said, "Our priority is to be able to replicate kung ano ang mga nagawa namin noong lindol, bagyo… na pwede naman palang magawa nang mabilis ang paggawa ng DPWH. Pwede naman pala tama ang presyo, pwede naman palang quality."

(Our priority is to be able to replicate what we have done for earthquakes, storms... which, it turns out, can be done quickly by the DPWH. So these projects can be done using the right prices and with quality.)

"'Yun ang magiging mantra namin sa mga susunod na buwan (That will be our mantra in the coming months)," he said. — AOL/ VDV, GMA Integrated News