DPWH Accused of Tampering with Documents in Flood Control Project Investigation

The Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) has raised serious allegations against the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) for reportedly destroying and tampering with official documents connected to irregularities in flood control projects. This claim was made by ICI Chairman, retired Supreme Court Justice Andres Reyes, on Monday, September 22.

In an official statement, Reyes condemned what he described as "widespread destruction and tampering of official documents by personnel of the DPWH in connection with anomalous flood control projects." He emphasized that such actions represent a severe obstruction of an ongoing investigation and undermine the public's right to transparency and accountability.

Senate Blue Ribbon Committee Chair, Senator Panfilo "Ping" Lacson, who is also probing the issue, expressed similar concerns in a media interview. He characterized the destruction of documents as a criminal act that appears to be an attempt to erase evidence of misconduct. "That's criminal... When you destroy, you're destroying the records para hindi ma-trace yung kalokohan nila (so that their shenanigans can't be traced)," Lacson stated.

Justice Reyes further reiterated that records related to public works belong to the public and that any effort to destroy, falsify, or conceal these materials constitutes a grave offense subject to both administrative and criminal penalties.

The commission's chairman urged the DPWH, now under the new leadership of Secretary Vince Dizon, to fully cooperate with investigators and ensure the preservation of all documents and evidence under their control. Dizon succeeded Manuel Bonoan as department chief on September 2.

The allegations spotlight ongoing concerns over governance and accountability within the DPWH amid investigations of corruption in flood control initiatives.