The Court of Appeals has issued a freeze order on 135 bank accounts and 27 insurance policies linked to Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) officials and contractors implicated in alleged anomalies in flood control projects. This move is part of the government’s crackdown on corruption, led by DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon. The frozen assets belong to individuals and companies suspected of involvement in irregularities
Secretary Dizon has filed criminal complaints against 20 past and current DPWH employees and four private contractors before the Office of the Ombudsman. Those charged include former DPWH officials Henry Alcantara, Brice Hernandez, and Jaypee Mendoza. Contractors facing charges are Sally Santos (SYMS Construction Trading), Mark Allan Arevalo (Wawao Builders), and Cezarah “Sarah” Discaya (St. Timothy Construction Corporation)
The controversy centers on alleged “ghost” flood control projects, with claims of kickbacks and substandard construction. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has ordered a thorough investigation, stressing accountability regardless of position or affiliation. The Senate Blue Ribbon Committee is also probing these irregularities amid growing public concern
DPWH Secretary Dizon has pledged to hold accountable those responsible for anomalies. Contractors involved in “ghost” or substandard projects face blacklisting, affecting their eligibility for future government contracts. Local government units are reviewing project allocations, citing concerns over coordination and transparency with DPWH
The asset freeze and charges mark significant steps in tackling alleged DPWH corruption. President Marcos launched “Sumbong sa Pangulo,” a platform for citizens to report irregularities. Investigations continue, with potential for further actions against implicated individuals and companies as authorities pursue transparency and accountability in infrastructure projects
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