DPWH: Government pursuing full restitution vs errant flood contractors

MANILA, Philippines — The national government is actively pursuing full monetary restitution and criminal accountability against rogue contractors involved in the multibillion-peso flood control scandal, according to Secretary Vince Dizon of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

Responding to queries during an inspection of ongoing dike repairs in Calumpit, Bulacan last Wednesday, Dizon assured the public that the government has not written off the public funds lost to substandard, overpriced infrastructure projects previously executed by controversial firms like those owned by private contractor couple Curlee and Sarah Discaya as well as Wawao Builders.

“The legal process is moving forward,” Dizon said. “Government agencies, including the Office of the Ombudsman, the Office of the Solicitor General and the Department of Justice, are handling the cases. Most of the personalities involved are already detained, while authorities continue to track down remaining fugitives.”

Dizon emphasized that the prosecution strategy includes forcing errant contractors to reimburse the full cost of defective and unfinished flood control assets under the legal doctrine of restitution championed by the ombudsman.

“It is not enough that they are behind bars; they must return every peso stolen from the public,” he said. “While the justice system handles the recovery and prosecution, the DPWH’s job today is to fix the flood defenses in Calumpit and ensure that future projects are built correctly and transparently.”