DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon lashed out at those behind the defective ₱289.5‑million road dike project in Oriental Mindoro, a Sunwest Construction project tied to Zaldy Co, saying it could not simply be repaired and would require full demolition because of glaring construction deficiencies.
The road dike in Barangay Tagumpay, Naujan came under scrutiny after inspections raised concerns over its sheet piles—steel supports meant to reinforce structures near waterways. Dizon recalled his inspection and said the sheet piles measured only three meters despite the project design requiring 12 meters.
“Kung maalala niyo ito yung sheet piles na dapat 12 meters na sinukat natin tatlong metro lang. So kitang‑kita yung substandard nito, wala pang 1/4, mga 1/4 lang nung required,” Dizon said.
He said the discrepancy proved the installed materials failed to meet specifications, with portions of the structure already showing signs of collapse after inspection.
Dizon stressed the deficiency could not be corrected through repairs, since replacing the shorter sheet piles with the required 12‑meter materials would mean dismantling the entire structure.
“Imposible talaga [ma‑rectify] kasi para palitan nila lahat ng sheet piles na three meters at gawing 12 [meters], gigibain ‘yung buong structure na nagawa nila,” Dizon said.
He added he was prepared to continue testifying before authorities handling cases tied to the project, including proceedings before the Ombudsman and Sandiganbayan.
“Kung ano ang kailangan kong gawin para talagang mapatunayan yung guilt nitong mga kinasuhan—kasama na si former Congressman Zaldy Co—ay gagawin natin,” Dizon said.
The Naujan road dike project was implemented by Department of Public Works and Highways and awarded to Sunwest Construction, a firm linked to Co, the former Ako Bicol representative. It is now part of investigations into irregularities in flood‑control projects in Oriental Mindoro.
Co is among those facing a ₱7.4‑billion plunder case alongside disgraced former Speaker Martin Romualdez. Romualdez has already been jailed, while Co remains abroad.
