PBBM creates panel to probe DPWH projects

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. ordered the creation of an independent commission to investigate alleged irregularities in flood control projects and other Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) initiatives.

The commission will examine reports submitted to the government's Sumbong sa Pangulo website.

Partido Demokratiko Pilipino (PDP) has praised the President's move and urged him to appoint Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong to lead the investigation.

Magalong previously disclosed alleged payoffs to lawmakers from infrastructure projects, including flood control programs, and has submitted documents to the Office of the President.

The structure and composition of the commission are still being finalized.

Newly appointed DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon pledged full cooperation and stated that the DPWH's internal investigation team for flood control projects would be abolished.

The Commission on Audit (CoA) has also launched a high-priority performance audit of the government's Flood Risk Management and Resiliency Program (FRMRP).