Benitez calls for DPWH head to temporarily step down
The Philippines is currently grappling with an active and formal investigation into the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) regarding failed flood control projects. The House of Representatives initiated a review on August 4, 2025, instructing the DPWH to submit a comprehensive list of all flood control projects over the past three years, including those that failed or are suspected to be ghost projects. A Regional Project Monitoring Committee has also been tasked with providing a list of failed and suspected ghost projects, with the intention of publishing these for public scrutiny [1].
DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan has assured the public that alleged ghost projects will be thoroughly investigated. He clarified that only projects reported but not physically found would be classified as ghost projects. This validation is part of a broader crackdown on corrupt practices in flood control projects, a stance strongly supported by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who has vowed to hold those responsible accountable and highlighted the absence of a monitoring system for some projects, particularly those inserted into the budget without technical vetting [2][3].
President Marcos Jr. has already identified names of contractors and corporations involved in the poor execution of these projects, with plans to blacklist them from future government contracts and pursue further action if necessary [3].
Bacolod City Lone District Representative Alfredo Abelardo Benitez has urged DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan to take a leave of absence during the ongoing investigation. However, there is no information suggesting that Secretary Bonoan has taken or announced any leave of absence related to the investigation or allegations about flood control projects [2].
Benitez's statement was made in the context of the failed flood control projects and the need for accountability. He emphasized that the implementor should not be the evaluator in government. He also suggested that an independent party should conduct the investigation into the flood control projects, but did not specify who the independent party should be [1].
In a recent State of the Nation Address (Sona) on July 28, 2025, Marcos announced that someone must be held accountable for the failed flood control projects [1]. The government will publish a list of flood control projects completed in the last years, and an audit and performance check regarding the projects will be conducted [1].
President Marcos Jr. inspected the effects of tropical cyclones Crising, Dante, Emong, and southwest monsoon and found many flood control projects to be sloppy and collapsed, while others were imaginary [1]. This investigation is aimed at restoring public trust and ensuring the impartiality and credibility of the process [1].
References: [1] Rappler. (2025, August 4). House to investigate DPWH over flood control projects. Retrieved from https://www.rappler.com/nation/2876052-house-investigate-dpwh-flood-control-projects [2] Inquirer.net. (2025, August 5). DPWH assures validation of ghost projects. Retrieved from https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1441473/dpwh-assures-validation-of-ghost-projects [3] ABS-CBN News. (2025, August 6). Marcos Jr. to blacklist contractors, corporations behind failed flood control projects. Retrieved from https://news.abs-cbn.com/business/08/06/25/marcos-jr-to-blacklist-contractors-corporations-behind-failed-flood-control-projects
- The ongoing investigation into the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) regarding failed flood control projects has prompted Bacolod City Lone District Representative Alfredo Abelardo Benitez to urge DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan to take a leave of absence during the investigation.
- President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has identified names of contractors and corporations involved in the poor execution of flood control projects, with plans to blacklist them from future government contracts and pursue further action if necessary, as part of a broader crackdown on corrupt practices in flood control projects.
- The government, in response to the failed flood control projects, has announced that it will publish a list of flood control projects completed in the last years, and an audit and performance check regarding the projects will be conducted, as part of a policy-and-legislation drive to restore public trust and ensure the impartiality and credibility of the process.
