Ex-DPWH Chief Bonoan Still Invited to Infra Committee Probe on Flood Control Projects

Former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Manuel Bonoan will still be summoned to the upcoming House Infrastructure Committee hearing on Tuesday, September 2, according to Committee Co-Chair and Bicol Saro Party-list Representative Terry Ridon.

The inquiry will focus on alleged ghost and substandard projects in Bulacan, as well as undercapitalized firms reportedly securing billions worth of flood control contracts. Ridon added that newly appointed DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon has also been invited to attend the initial hearing.

Ridon expressed gratitude to Bonoan for his service, saying, “Former Secretary Bonoan will still be invited to the InfraComm hearing, and an invitation will be given to incoming DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon. We thank Secretary Bonoan for his service and wish him well in his future endeavors.”

In a separate statement, Las Piñas Lone District Representative Mark Anthony Santos welcomed Dizon’s appointment, describing him as an “energetic and dynamic” public servant. Santos underscored the public’s expectation for more efficient, transparent, and people-centered management of infrastructure, particularly flood control and transportation projects.

“His leadership comes at a critical time when our country needs efficient, transparent, and people-centered infrastructure development. Secretary Dizon’s track record of professionalism and dedication assures us that he will steer the DPWH towards greater accountability and improved service delivery,” Santos said.

However, Deputy Minority Leader and Akbayan Representative Perci Cendaña cautioned that leadership change alone will not be enough to address systemic corruption in the agency. He alleged that corruption within the DPWH is widespread, involving not only contractors and district engineers but also some lawmakers.

“Ironically, this might be one of the few good decisions made by the outgoing secretary. We will further intensify efforts to hold accountable those involved in large-scale corruption within the DPWH,” Cendaña stressed, calling for deeper and sustained reforms to end graft within the department.

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