The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and the Office of the Ombudsman have strongly condemned the statement of contractor Curlee Discaya that he was “robbed” after asking for restitution as part of the Witness Protection Program process. According to officials, there is clearly sufficient evidence showing misuse of public funds.
Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon stressed that such statements are unjustified, especially since public safety is at stake in flood control projects. He urged the couple involved to face their cases and return the people's money, instead of issuing statements that contradict the facts.
Meanwhile, the Ombudsman said it was wrong and misleading to consider the return of the funds as theft. According to the office, the loss of flood control funds is equivalent to the loss of protection of Filipinos against disasters, so accountability and the return of the money is an obligation, not an abuse.
In this regard, Dizon appeared again before the anti-graft court to testify in the bail hearing of several DPWH officials involved in a case of malversation related to the flood control project. He expressed confidence that the substandard project and the alleged collusion of those involved will be proven.
The inspection revealed that the materials used did not comply with the contract specifications, leading to the project being declared unworkable. In the end, the DPWH insisted that accountability of public funds will remain the government's primary objective amid the ongoing investigation.
