Ombudsman Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla has launched a sharp critique of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), accusing the agency of failing to deliver quality government buildings despite billions of pesos in funding.
His remarks, aired on his DZRH program over the weekend, underscored long-standing frustrations with stalled projects and poor execution in public infrastructure.
Remulla cited the ₱9-billion University of the Philippines-Philippine General Hospital (UP-PGH) Cancer Center project, which failed to attract bidders, as emblematic of the problem.
He also pointed to the Bureau of Immigration headquarters, a project worth more than ₱8 billion that has been “10 years in the making,” and warned against proceeding with a new National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) building.
“Mas maganda pa ang mga existing private buildings kaysa sa mga ipapagawa natin,” he said, urging agencies to consider purchasing existing structures instead of relying on DPWH-led construction.
In Cebu, Remulla highlighted a flood control project where the proposed 63-meter waterway was reduced to 25 meters, lamenting that government projects consistently fall short of quality standards.
“Wala tayong maasahan sa DPWH,” he declared, adding that private sector properties often surpass government-built structures in durability and design.
DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon responded by aligning himself with Remulla’s critique, stressing that Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) remain the more reliable option for large-scale infrastructure until the department undergoes systemic reform.
“I fully agree with Ombudsman Remulla — PPPs guarantee timeliness, quality, and cost efficiency, which the public deserves,” Dizon said in a statement.
Dizon expressed dismay over the BI building’s poor design, noting that its driveway “can barely accommodate normal-sized vehicles.”
He pledged to personally discuss discontinuing the NBI project with Director Melvin Matibag, signaling openness to alternative solutions.
“DPWH is more than willing to discontinue the current project so that the NBI can explore far better, more practical options,” he added.
The DPWH chief assured cooperation with the Office of the Ombudsman, vowing to “aggressively pursue reforms within the Department” during his tenure.
His remarks reinforced his long-standing advocacy for PPPs as a safeguard against inefficiency and substandard outcomes in government infrastructure. # ( ZIA LUNA)
