The Senate Blue Ribbon Committee will investigate government projects that were poorly built, including bridges, roads and other public works.
Committee Chairman Senator Erwin Tulfo said the projects will be checked one by one and those responsible could be held accountable.
“Apart from the new names and issues connected to flood control mess, we will also investigate substandard projects. Bridges, roads, and public works that clearly failed to meet standards. We will investigate them one by one,” Tulfo said in a radio interview.
The senator said corruption may be involved when a project receives government funding but ends up unfinished or poorly built.
“Obviously there’s corruption in there because you are given this certain amount of budget to construct these structures according to standards, but it’s unfinished or subpar,” he added.
Tulfo said the committee is coordinating with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and other government agencies.
One of the projects that has drawn attention is the retaining wall along the northbound lane of EDSA-Ayala in Makati City, which collapsed following several typhoons.
DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon said the collapsed portion was built using light board material instead of reinforced concrete.
Tulfo said the Blue Ribbon Committee will continue to follow new leads in its investigation into the flood control mess, including possible involvement of other people and agencies.
The senator said the committee will also look into other government projects where public funds may have been wasted because of poor construction or corruption.
“Corruption has plagued this system for too long, and we are tackling it head-on, one issue at a time. We will be strict in gathering rock-solid evidence, and we will conduct this strictly by the book,” he further concluded.IMT
