Davao Occidental flood control project paid in full, DPWH finds no work done

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) confirmed that a flood control project supposedly built at Culaman Bridge in Davao Occidental has been revealed as a ghost project.

DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon, accompanied by Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) Special Adviser Mayor Benjamin said that the P96.5 million contract was already fully paid despite zero progress on the ground. They inspected the site and voiced strong dismay after discovering that construction never even began, although it had been declared completed under the previous administration.

St. Timothy Construction Company, owned by the Discaya family, was identified as the contractor for the project. Despite no visible development on-site, District Engineer Rodrigo Larete acknowledged that the firm had already been paid in full. The disclosure has drawn criticism and raised suspicions of negligence and possible collusion inside the department.

Furious over the revelation, DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon stressed that he is willing to risk losing all District Engineers in the agency if it means addressing these irregularities. "You can run, but you cannot hide. Sa DE at regional director, magsabi na kayo. Huwag nyo nang hintayin na umabot pa sa ganito. Lumapit na kayo, magsalita na kayo dahil mahuhuli at mahuhuli din kayo. Wala akong pakialam kahit maubos na lahat ng DE at RD sa Pilipinas. Kung kailangan mubos kayong lahat, uubusin namin kayo." DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon said.

The flood control project was intended to protect nearby communities and a local school from recurring floods. But with nothing built, residents remain vulnerable, fueling frustration over the release of public funds without results. The ICI also noted that this adds to the growing controversies tied to the Discaya group's flood control and infrastructure projects already under nationwide scrutiny.