DPWH District Engineers in Bohol province have notified contractors of a temporary ban on road reblocking projects that waste public funds in billions of pesos following a directive from Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon aimed at curbing corruption in the infrastructure sector.
Second district engineer Fernando Talagsa has sent formal communications to winning contractors regarding the suspension, which allows only ongoing projects to continue, according to officials familiar with the directive.
“I am merely implementing the secretary’s directive,” Talagsa said, adding that current reblocking projects in his district are limited in number.
Third district engineer Magiting Cruz has imposed a similar moratorium in his jurisdiction, confirming the halt affects national highways under their supervision.
The suspension comes as the DPWH is drowned in allegations of ghost projects and substandard construction work.
Dizon ordered the measure to address graft scandals that reblocking projects have become vehicles for corruption.
“Why should DPWH tear up roads that still look OK just to redo them?” Dizon said during a press briefing, according to reports.
The practice has drawn criticism from local officials and residents who question the demolition of serviceable concrete roads, some of which are being replaced with asphalt overlays considered less durable.
Provincial Board Member Nathaniel Binlod criticized the prioritization of reblocking over unpaved provincial and barangay roads.
“Many of our roads, still in good, operational, and serviceable condition have been subject to demolition and reconstruction,” Binlod said, calling for better coordination between DPWH district offices and provincial engineers before any demolition proceeds.