DOJ urged to protect DPWH whistleblowers in flood control probe

MANILA, Philippines — The government’s crackdown on corruption in flood control projects has sparked multiple investigations in Congress and local governments. 

But what safeguards are in place for Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) employees willing to expose the inner workings of how funds are allegedly distributed in flood control projects — even to public officials?

Rep. Albee Benitez (Badcolod, Lone District) said the Department of Justice (DOJ) should extend whistleblower protections to anyone willing to come forward to expose the truth.

“The Department of Justice must not wait for witnesses to step forward if we want to try, convict, and imprison all those who have plundered public funds intended to save our people from the threats of flooding,” he said on Monday, August 25. 

The lawmaker stressed that the DOJ can take the initiative to “seek out” potential whistleblowers among DPWH officials and employees, including other individuals who may have information on the alleged corruption scandal. 

“Pagkakataon na ito para maisiwalat nila ang katotohanan. Responsibilidad ng pamahalaan na bigyan sila ng plataporma at karampatang proteksyon upang maitaguyod ang katotohanan,” Benitez added. 

(This is an opportunity for them to reveal the truth. It is the government’s responsibility to provide them with a platform and proper protection to uphold the truth.)

The whistleblower program is meant to ensure the safety and security of individuals who have an idea about corruption within government agencies or organizations during investigations. 

Bonoan urged to step down

The DPWH has come under intense scrutiny over failed flood control projects, especially after initial reports showed that just 15 contractors secured one-fifth of the P545-billion flood control budget under the first half of the Marcos Jr. administration.

Benitez was one of the lawmakers, including Sen. Kiko Pangilinan, who urged DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan to take accountability as the agency’s head. 

Pangilinan questioned why he hasn’t stepped down, while Benitez outright said Bonoan should resign. 

“Mahiya ka naman (Be ashamed). Resign now,” Benitez said on August 20. 

The DPWH chief, however, said he has no intention of resigning. 

The allegations, recent cases

As congressional investigations begin, claims have emerged that some lawmakers are tied to anomalous flood control projects, either through budget insertions or direct ties to contractors, with some reportedly receiving campaign donations from these same contractors.

Sen. Ping Lacson said political backers of flood control projects would typically receive 25% of the contract’s amount, with only 40% allocated for implementation. The remaining 35% are purportedly distributed among the DPWH, contractor and other expenditures. 

In the House, Rep. Leandro Leviste (Batangas, 1st District) confirmed Monday that a DPWH engineer allegedly tried to bribe him to stop the local probe into flood control projects. 

The district engineer, Abelardo Calalo, was arrested on Friday in an entrapment operation triggered by Leviste’s report. 

Authorities recovered over P3.1 million, still under investigation to determine whether it was intended as a bribe and if it represents only an initial payment.

Calalo is expected to face corruption charges, with a case said to be filed on Tuesday, August 26.

The House, meanwhile, plans to launch a joint-committee investigation into alleged anomalies in flood control and other infrastructure projects within the next two weeks.