Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon on Wednesday ordered a nationwide suspension of all ongoing bidding for locally funded flood control and infrastructure projects, citing widespread corruption concerns within the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH). The move follows President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to “clean house” and prevent further misuse of public funds.
“I will order today a pause to all the ongoing bidding of all locally funded projects nationwide because we need to first review and study [them],” Dizon said during a press briefing. “The President does not want any more money from the government, from the DPWH thrown in the river.”
While the suspension covers flood control and road projects funded locally, Dizon clarified that foreign-assisted projects will continue, citing stricter oversight by international funders.
Dizon said the pause will last up to two weeks while the new DPWH leadership introduces safeguards into the bidding and procurement process. “We are giving our new team two weeks maximum so we can put safeguards in place here in the process,” he said.
At Dizon’s request, the Department of Justice (DOJ) issued a lookout order against multiple DPWH officials and contractors allegedly linked to anomalies in flood control projects. The order covers 10 DPWH personnel—including regional directors, engineers, and administrative staff—as well as 17 private contractors and construction firm executives.
Among those named are:
Henry C. Alcantara, OIC–Assistant Regional Director
Brice Ericson D. Hernandez, OIC–District Engineer
Alex H. Abelido, President, Legacy Construction Corporation
Aderma Angelie D. Alcazar, President/CEO, Sunwest Inc.
Ryan Willie D. Uy, Proprietor, Road Edge Trading & Development Services.
Dizon also reaffirmed his commitment to complete a major reorganization of the agency within 60 days. Calling it a “very difficult but necessary” process, he said the overhaul aims to restore public trust and prepare the department to carry out its mandate with integrity.
“We are giving ourselves 60 days maximum to be able to see how best we can reorganize,” Dizon said. “Hopefully, in 30 to 60 days, we will have an organization that we feel will be ready to take on these challenges and move forward.”
The DPWH shake-up marks the most aggressive anti-corruption measure yet under Dizon’s new leadership.
