Pres. Duterte calls for an audit on DPWH projects

On Thursday, President Rodrigo Duterte ordered an audit of projects in the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to determine whether there are “ghost projects” in the department or not. 

In his public address, Duterte said that ‘ghost projects’ are being used for corrupt practices in the DPWH, noting that such irregularities are “shortchanging” the government.

The best way is to conduct an audit of those projects to determine if they are ghost projects or not, and I think they are plenty,

he said.

He told the agency’s regional directors to resign and to face prosecution if they are involved in anomalous projects.

He also said he wanted an investigation of substandard projects or those with partial delivery, like one that involved constructing restrooms without dividers between toilets. He added that most of the irregularities were committed by DPWH’s regional directors.

For the longest time, there has not been much investigation there. But those of you who are responsible for these, I advise you to resign now. Resign now because when the time comes, I will throw the book at you, even the kitchen sink, and then you will see that you will be prosecuted administratively and criminally and there [will] be no mercy here,

he said.

Duterte earlier ordered the Department of Justice (DOJ) to form a task force to investigate allegations of corruption in the entire government with a special focus on the DPWH. DOJ may also prosecute and file appropriate charges against those involved in anomalies investigated.

However, he also warned dishonest officials that resigning would not prevent them from facing administrative or criminal charges.

I really intend to clean the government. At least, if I cannot eradicate it, there will be less graft in government. That is the people’s only consolation that [corrupt officials] are caught and jailed,

the President said.