DPWH chief Dizon dismayed by unfinished projects in Bicol

Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon expressed dismay over the unfinished construction of several infrastructure projects in the Bicol Region, including those linked to controversial contractors.

According to Darlene Cay’s report on “24 Oras Weekend” on Sunday, Dizon was greeted by two massive concrete posts—remnants of the Malabog Flyover, which began construction in 2021.

“Clearly pinabayaan, obvious naman. Inabando na (It was clearly neglected; it’s obvious. It has been abandoned)," Dizon said.

Only 12 percent of the planned 700-meter flyover has been completed despite a budget of ₱159 million, the report said.

The flyover project was undertaken by HI-TONE Construction and Development Corp., owned by Christopher Co, and Alpha and Omega General Contractor and Development Corp. of the Discayas. Co is the brother of former congressman Zaldy Co.

Both companies are among the 15 contractors that reportedly cornered about 20 percent of flood control projects nationwide.

“Malaking problema talaga itong dinadanas natin dito sa Bicol kasi andaming Sunwest, andaming HI-TONE na nandito—na alam natin hindi na pwedeng mangontrata ang Sunwest at HI-TONE dahil may mga kaso na,” Dizon said.

(The situation in Bicol is a major problem because there are so many Sunwest and HI-TONE projects here—and we know these firms can no longer take on contracts due to pending cases.)

Dizon said the unfinished flyover project will be rebid to new contractors in February.

The DPWH chief also expressed concern over the stalled construction of the Bicol Regional Medical Center in Daraga, Albay. Since work began in 2023, only four of the planned 10 floors have been completed.

The P3.5-billion hospital project was delayed due to design changes, but Dizon said the delay was excessive.

“I will have to talk to the DOH kung ano yung binago. Seven months is too long for a design revision—masyadong matagal,” he said.

(I will have to talk to the DOH about what was changed. Seven months for a design revision is far too long.)

Dizon said the contractor behind the hospital project will be summoned as the DPWH targets completion by next year.

He also ordered the fast-tracking of repairs along a portion of the Maharlika Highway in Albay.

“Paspasan nilang lahat ‘to. Kasi pagdating ng Holy Week at may mga closed lanes dito, tapos tayo sa traffic dito,” Dizon said.

(They need to speed all of this up. Once Holy Week arrives and lanes remain closed, traffic here will be unbearable.)

Meanwhile, the Department of Transportation has directed the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines to allocate P200 million to P300 million to resolve the issue between the Bicol International Airport and the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines.

Only a limited portion of the airport’s runway is currently usable due to obstruction caused by a transmission line.—Vince Angelo Ferreras/MCG, GMA Integrated News