Palace: DPWH chief Dizon denies 'zero budget' threat against Erice

Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon denied allegations that he threatened to give Caloocan lawmaker Edgar Erice “zero budget” for infrastructure projects in his district because of politics, Malacañang said on Monday.

Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said she spoke with Dizon to confirm Erice’s claims in a recent television interview.

“Tinawagan mismo natin si Secretary Vince Dizon at ipinaalam natin kung ano ang tinuran ni Congressman Erice sa isang panayam. Ayan po ay pinasinungalingan mismo ni Secretary Vince Dizon dahil hindi niya nakakausap si Congressman Erice patungkol sa kanyang pagbibintang,” she said in a briefing.

(I personally called Secretary Vince Dizon and informed him of what Congressman Erice said in an interview. Secretary Vince Dizon himself denied the claim, saying he had not spoken with Congressman Erice about the allegation.)

In the interview, Erice claimed that he was threatened with being denied DPWH funding for his district because he was perceived as a critic of the administration.

“Sabi nga ni Secretary Vince, zi-zerohin niya daw ako,” he alleged.

(Secretary Vince allegedly said he would give me zero budget.)

The Palace also said Erice’s statements would not affect the government as they were baseless.

“At hindi naman makakapanira ang mga sinasabi ni Congressman Erice sa pamahalaan, lalong-lalo na kung ito ay puro fake news at walang basehan... Hindi natatakot ang gobyernong ito sa anumang pambabatikos,” Castro said.

(And what Congressman Erice is saying cannot damage the government, especially if it is pure fake news and has no basis. This government is not afraid of any criticism.)

Last week, Malacañang also criticized Erice for his remarks that President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. could not afford to put his cousin, former House speaker and incumbent Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez, behind bars over the flood control controversy.

Castro said Erice’s statements were theories and not based on facts.

In a text message to GMA News Online, Erice said that he is ready to face Dizon during the deliberation on DPWH's proposed budget next week.

"Magharap na lang kami sa Aug. 26 sa budget hearing ng DPWH," he said.

(We will just face each other on August 26, during the budget hearing on DPWH.) — MCG/RF, GMA News