Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Dizon has publicly denied allegations that he made insertions for flood control projects under the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA). According to the DPWH, the claims made by Representative Leandro Leviste are “baseless and malicious,” asserting that Dizon had no involvement in any discretionary funding or project insertions.
Dizon emphasized that the BCDA, which he previously headed, strictly follows government regulations on project financing. The agency does not handle discretionary funds or “allocables,” ensuring that all projects are funded through official channels approved by the government.
Background of the Allegations
The controversy started when Leviste released an alleged summary file of the 2025 DPWH budget, claiming that certain flood control projects were inserted through discretionary funding. These allegations came shortly after reports that Leviste had accessed and copied documents from former DPWH Undersecretary Catalina Cabral’s office.
In response, Dizon and the DPWH questioned the timing and legitimacy of the claims. They highlighted that such accusations could potentially harm public trust in ongoing infrastructure programs, particularly those aimed at mitigating flooding in critical areas.
BCDA Statement on Funding Transparency
The BCDA issued a statement clarifying its strict adherence to transparency and accountability in all projects:
- Projects are financed solely through approved government programs.
- Funds are released through the National Treasury under the General Appropriations Act.
- All projects are governed by procurement laws and audited by the Commission on Audit.
The agency stressed that its records are complete, traceable, and auditable, and it enforces zero tolerance for corruption through multi-layered legal and audit reviews. Dizon’s leadership is aligned with these standards, ensuring that no discretionary or unapproved funds are utilized in flood control projects.
Key Points in the Controversy
To summarize the main points of the issue:
- Allegation: Leviste claimed Dizon inserted flood control projects into the budget through discretionary funds.
- Denial: Dizon categorically denied these claims, calling them false and harmful to public trust.
- BCDA Oversight: The agency confirmed all projects follow legal and budgetary frameworks, leaving no room for unauthorized insertions.
- Document Dispute: The allegations involved files reportedly taken from former Undersecretary Cabral’s office, whose authenticity is being questioned.
Implications for Public Infrastructure
The controversy highlights the importance of transparency in public works and budget allocations. Flood control projects are critical for communities prone to heavy rains and seasonal flooding. Ensuring these projects are properly funded and executed without political interference is vital for public safety.
Dizon’s response underscores the commitment of DPWH and BCDA to maintain integrity in public infrastructure programs. By rejecting the insertion accusations, he seeks to reassure the public that ongoing and future flood control projects will continue without disruption or mismanagement.
Moving Forward
Both Dizon and the BCDA welcome fact-based reviews and investigations into the matter. The agencies encourage thorough audits and examinations to dispel misinformation and maintain transparency in public spending. Officials stress the importance of relying on verified documents and verified sources to prevent further controversies.
The public is advised to follow updates from legitimate sources to stay informed about the status of flood control initiatives. Transparency, accountability, and lawful implementation remain central to sustaining public trust in government agencies.
Conclusion
The recent flood control controversy has put Dizon in the spotlight, but his firm denial, combined with BCDA’s statements, reinforces the commitment to transparency and accountability in government projects. While allegations continue to circulate, the key message is that proper channels and legal frameworks govern all infrastructure projects, leaving no room for discretionary insertions.
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