DPWH Secretary Alleges Massive Abuse of Flood Control Projects
FLOOD CONTROL PROJECTS – The debate over controversial flood control projects has intensified following a strong statement from DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon.
Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon criticized the alleged misuse of government funds intended for flood control projects, claiming that some of these projects had been exploited for corruption instead of protecting communities from flooding.
The issue of alleged flood control anomalies first gained national attention after President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. highlighted it during his fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) on July 28, 2025. The President then raised concerns over questionable flood control projects and called for accountability, placing the matter under greater public scrutiny.
During an interview with a television station on Friday, July 24, 2026, Dizon explained that the country has multiple flood management master plans covering different areas, particularly those surrounding the Philippines’ major river systems. According to him, these plans are designed separately depending on the location and the specific needs of each river basin.
“Ang flood management master plan, hiwa-hiwalay ‘yan. Typically, mga major rivers ng bansa, ‘yan merong masterplan ‘yan,” he said.
Despite the existence of these plans, Dizon pointed out that there are two major issues affecting the implementation of flood control projects. He explained that many of the existing master plans are already outdated, while others have not been properly followed during project execution.
“Ang problema, number one, marami diyan medyo luma na. Ikalawa, directly related dito sa mga kalokohang nangyari these past several years is hindi sinusunod,” he said.
According to the DPWH chief, the failure to comply with approved flood management plans is directly connected to the irregularities that have surfaced over the past several years. He suggested that deviations from these plans have contributed to the alleged anomalies that continue to be investigated.
Dizon then made a stronger statement, alleging that some flood control projects were used as vehicles for corruption instead of serving their intended purpose of protecting the public from floods.
“Kasi nga nalaman na natin ngayon [na] may mga proyekto sa flood control, ginagamit lang para magnakaw,” he concluded.
Meanwhile, President Marcos is set to deliver his fifth State of the Nation Address on Monday, July 27, 2026. Many Filipinos are expected to closely watch the speech, anticipating updates on the government’s efforts to address the controversial flood control anomalies and the progress made in holding those responsible accountable nearly a year after the issue became a major national concern.
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