None of the undersecretaries of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is connected to any contractors linked to the flood control controversy, Secretary Vince Dizon said Thursday, responding to earlier allegations by Batangas 1st District Rep. Leandro Leviste.
Dizon thanked Leviste for his candor and straightforwardness and said he would personally investigate the claims.
‘He heard rumors, but it is still important for me to know if he has specifics. Because of my commitment to him and to our fellow citizens, and in line with the President’s directive, I will immediately remove that person and press charges,’ Dizon said in a press conference.
‘I look forward to having a conversation with Cong. Leviste. As far as I know, the undersecretaries we invited-and given how rare it is these days to get people to work as undersecretaries in the DPWH-none of them have contractors. But because of this report, I will also investigate on my own. I would really appreciate it if Rep. Leviste could provide specific names and circumstances,’ he added. Earlier, Leviste said members of Dizon’s team were allegedly meeting with contractors linked to controversial flood control projects. ‘Someone just told me before I arrived here now that not only did one person tell me that they heard that members of the team are actually contractors, but that other members of the team had already been meeting with contractors outside of DPWH at may hinihingi na daw (and they are asking for something),’ Leviste said.
‘Maybe Sec. Dizon can also check with all of his appointees who are contractors, if any, that they’ve met since their appointment, and what they discussed during those meetings. It’s quite tragic because so many people have high hopes for Sec. Dizon’s leadership in the DPWH,’ he added.
During the latter part of the press conference, Leviste took a call from the official and spoke for a few minutes. He declined to disclose the official’s name but said the person was committed to investigating the claims and removing any officials found to have ties to contractors.