Philippines DPWH corruption investigations

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has faced multiple disciplinary actions following investigations into graft, extortion, and fraudulent infrastructure projects.

Initially, DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon dismissed four officials in Davao City and Cebu. These removals followed National Bureau of Investigation recommendations regarding anomalous flood control projects and reports of extortion from contractors. Secretary Dizon stated the agency is enforcing a ‘one-strike policy’ for personnel subject to legal charges.

Subsequently, the Philippine Ombudsman issued preventive suspensions against several other officials. In Davao Occidental, three officials were suspended for up to six months due to allegations involving ‘ghost’ farm-to-market road projects worth over P94 million, which were reportedly declared complete despite being unfinished. In Bulacan, five project engineers received six-month suspensions without pay following allegations of grave misconduct and dishonesty related to three flood control projects valued at approximately P188.89 million. The Ombudsman alleges that documents were falsified to facilitate contract awards and create a false impression of project compliance.