MANILA, Philippines — Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon has intensified the government’s campaign against delayed infrastructure projects and recurring flooding, warning that unfinished works and poor maintenance would continue to put communities and vital public facilities at risk.
During an inspection at the University of the Philippines-Philippine General Hospital (UP-PGH), Dizon expressed disappointment over a flood control project that remained behind schedule despite having started in December 2024.
The project has achieved only 16 percent completion, raising concerns that the hospital could again face flooding during the rainy season.
Dizon said the delay was unacceptable given the critical role of PGH as one of the country’s largest public hospitals, serving thousands of patients and visitors every day.
“The President said our people deserve better than this,” Dizon stressed, noting that the approaching rainy season could once again expose patients, hospital workers, and visitors to flood-related disruptions.
Accompanied by Dr. Gerardo Legaspi, UP-PGH director, the Public Works chief also inspected several other unfinished building projects inside the hospital complex.
The inspections form part of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to address deficiencies in public hospital infrastructure and ensure uninterrupted delivery of medical services across the country.
Dizon said safe and functional facilities were essential to protecting both patients and healthcare workers while maintaining quality healthcare services.
At the same time, the administration continues to implement a proactive and systematic flood mitigation strategy through the Oplan Kontra Baha initiative.
Under the program, the President has directed the DPWH to sustain round-the-clock clearing, dredging, and desilting operations in major waterways, drainage systems, esteros, canals, and rivers nationwide.
Beyond prosecution
Meanwhile, Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla said the ongoing investigations into the country's infrastructure projects must go beyond prosecution and should also be a catalyst for institituonal reform.
Speaking before governance leaders and world experts at the 7th Global Conference on Sustainable Development Goal 16 (SDG 16) at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, Remulla said the country faced "governance challenges, including complex investigations involving public infrastructure projects,"
"These are difficult moments for any country," Remulla added.
Remulla said that instead of viewing the flood control projects investigation through the lens of criminal accountability, he said governments must use them as opportunities to examine deeper institutional weaknesses.
“When weaknesses are exposed, we have an opportunity—and a responsibility—to correct them,” he said.
Remulla also said governments must not just rely on prosecutions and convictions but through systemic changes that restore public trust.
“The goal is not simply to punish the mistakes of yesterday. The greater responsibility is to build better institutions for tomorrow,” Remulla added.
Remulla stressed that accountability remains non-negotiable.
“Those who abuse public office must be held accountable. That is our constitutional duty, and we will continue to perform that duty without fear or favor,” he said.
