MANILA — The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has imposed an immediate, nationwide suspension of all road reblocking works amid reports of dubious projects and possible corruption, with a new department order set to tighten approvals and oversight.
“Effectively now, I will be suspending all reblocking activities. And gagawa ako ng bagong department order on reblocking,” DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon announced in a Friday press briefing.
Dizon said numerous reblocking jobs appear unnecessary and may have been used to generate illicit profit.
“Bakit ba ang DPWH binabakbak ang mga kalye na parang okay naman para lang gawin ulit. Well, siguro, sa maraming pagkakataon, alam na natin kung bakit. Kasi pinagkakakitaan lang iyon. Pinagkakakitaan yung pagsisira. Pinagkakakitaan din ‘yung paggagawa ulit,” he said.
The suspension covers all reblocking activities nationwide but does not stop legitimate maintenance works on damaged or unsafe roads, Dizon clarified. He said reports from Bocaue, Bulacan and Tuguegarao City, Cagayan prompted a reassessment of how reblocking is proposed, vetted, and implemented.
According to Dizon, the forthcoming department order will install “safeguards” to eliminate opportunities for corruption and ensure only necessary repairs proceed. He urged the public to report any reblocking that continues despite the halt, warning that district engineers who defy the directive will face disciplinary action./PN
