DPWH's Dizon says Davao flood response takes priority amid calls for accountability

Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon on Friday said the government’s immediate priority is addressing the flooding problems in Davao City, even as investigations into allegedly anomalous infrastructure projects continue.

Dizon made the remark when asked by reporters to react to Davao City Rep. Paolo “Pulong” Duterte’s statement that those responsible for the city’s flooding should also be held accountable.

“Pupunta din tayo doon pero ang priority natin ay i-address yung flooding sa mga kababayan natin doon kasi grabe yung dinaanan nilang hirap doon. They deserve better than that. We need to act quickly,” Dizon told reporters.

(The English portion is already in English; the Filipino portion may be translated if your style requires.)

(We will get to that as well, but our priority is to address the flooding affecting the people there because of the hardship they have endured.)

In a separate interview on Super Radyo dzBB, Dizon said the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) would continue its investigation into allegedly anomalous infrastructure projects.

“It will continue; the probe will not stop,” he said.

“Pati ngayon ongoing pa rin kami at kung mayroon mang mga bagong imbestigasyon na bubuksan, eh tuloy-tuloy tayo diyan sa pagpo-provide ng impormasyon," he added.

(Even now, our work is ongoing, and if any new investigations are opened, we will continue providing information.)

Dizon also said the department is preparing flood mitigation projects in Manila, including the construction of a cross-drainage system linking España Boulevard, Earnshaw Street, Lacson Avenue, and pumping stations. He said work is scheduled to begin in September.

He added that a detention basin will also be constructed at the Bustillos-Earnshaw area to help store floodwater. —LDF, GMA News