Ombudsman Remulla slams DPWH's alleged failure to provide quality gov't buildings; Dizon reacts

Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla on Saturday criticized the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) over its alleged failure to deliver high quality establishments for different government agencies.

In his radio program, Remulla commented on the supposed failure of the University of the Philippines-Philippine General Hospital (UP-PGH) Cancer Center Project worth more than ₱9 billion to acquire bidders.

“Kaya PPP (public-private partnership) ‘yan. ‘Pag binigay mo sa DPWH, iba na naman hitsura niyan,” Remulla said.

(That’s why it was entrusted to the PPP, because if you give the project to the DPWH, it will have a different structure.)

Further, Remulla said the new structure for the Bureau of Immigration, where more than P8 billion was spent, was already “10 years in the making.”

He also urged the National Bureau of Investigation to just acquire an old building, instead of constructing a new one.

“Ang sabi ko nga kay (NBI Director) Melvin Matibag, huwag niyo na ituloy ang building ng NBI, bumili na lang kayo ng building… Ang pangit ng lalabas diyan,” he said.

(I told Melvin Matibag to discontinue with the NBI building. They should acquire an old one… The new one will not deliver as planned.)

Meanwhile in Cebu, a flood control master plan for a river project proposed to have 63 meters in width for the waterway. However, it was reduced to 25 meters.

“We have to take a cue from the quality of work that happens with government projects… As it is right now, wala tayong maasahan sa [DPWH],” Remulla said.

(We could not expect anything from the DPWH.)

Remulla lamented that old buildings that were being sold were better than those new ones for construction.

“I-compare mo ngayon ‘yung mga buildings na pinagbibili kaysa sa mga ipapagawa natin. Hindi kayang gawin ng gobyerno ‘yung quality. Mura pa, ang ganda ng building… Bumili ka na lang sa private sector. Parang PPP rin ‘yan in reverse,” he said.

(Compare the buildings that are being sold to the ones we are constructing. The government could not execute the same quality. They are cheaper and beautiful... Just buy from the private sector. It's like PPP in reverse.)

Advocate for PPPs

For his part, DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon said that he agrees with Remulla's sentiments regarding projects under PPPs.

"I fully agree with what Ombudsman Boying Remulla said — that until the internal systems and culture within the DPWH are thoroughly reformed, Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) remain the far better option for large-scale, complex infrastructure like government buildings," he said in a statement.

"I have always been a strong, consistent advocate of PPPs whenever they are viable. Through PPPs, we can guarantee timeliness, high quality, and cost efficiency—standards that the public deserves."

Dizon also expressed dismay with the quality of the infrastructures that the Ombudsman cited, particularly the BI building.

"In fact, nagalit talaga ako nu'ng nalaman ko 'yung delay sa Bureau of Immigration (BI) building project. The design is so poorly executed that the driveway can barely accommodate normal-sized vehicles. This is unacceptable, and it highlights the exact structural problems," he said.

Further, the DPWH chief said that he would agree to discontinue the NBI building project.

"Regarding the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) building, I will personally talk to NBI Director Melvin Matibag. DPWH is more than willing to discontinue the current project so that the NBI can explore far better, more practical options for its headquarters," said Dizon.

Dizon also assured that they would cooperate with the Office of the Ombudsman to "aggressively pursue reforms within the Department for as long as I hold this position." —KG, GMA News