MANILA, Philippines — Public Works Secretary Manuel Bonoan on Saturday affirmed he would not abandon his responsibility to investigate alleged corruption in substandard or missing flood control projects, despite mounting calls for his resignation.

In a video message posted on the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Facebook page, Bonoan acknowledged the “pain” of overseeing infrastructure issues under his watch.

DPWH chief rejects calls to resign as he vows to probe corruption in flood control projects

"It is heartbreaking and very painful to accept that these things are happening under my watch, no matter how strict our policies are against corruption," he said.

Bonoan stressed he was prepared to accept accountability for alleged irregularities within the agency, but emphasized he would not condone any form of corruption.

"Leaving or avoiding responsibility is not the right way to find a solution. I will accept accountability. But remember that I will never condone or allow any form of corruption," he said.

Calls for his resignation intensified after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. personally inspected a P55-million river wall project in Barangay Piel, Baliwag, Bulacan, and found that the structure, marked as completed, had not yet begun construction., This news data comes from:http://na-yfkn-whic-oh.052298.com

Bonoan admitted he only recently learned of such “ghost” projects and vowed to investigate. He said he would remain in his post, following the President’s instructions to continue the probe.

Bonoan said the DPWH would hold accountable any contractors or officials identified in the investigation.

"We want those responsible to be held accountable, and those who should be imprisoned to be jailed," he said.

He outlined initial steps the agency has taken, including the preventive suspension of employees from the Bulacan 1st District Engineering Office (DEO). The Commission on Audit (COA) is also conducting a fraud audit of all flood control projects in Bulacan, covering work from January 2022 to July 2025. The audit focuses on the physical existence and status of projects, as well as compliance with approved design specifications.

Bonoan cited previous measures taken against erring officials, including the suspension of Batangas District Engineer Abelardo Calalo, who allegedly attempted to bribe Batangas Rep. Leandro Leviste. Calalo was arrested but released on bail, while most staff from the Batangas 1st DEO were reassigned to the regional office. The regional director was also reassigned.

The secretary said the DPWH was currently validating flood control projects in Central Luzon, Mimaropa, Western Visayas, Central Visayas, and Eastern Visayas from July 2022 to May 2025. He also highlighted the creation of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Committee, established under Department Order 166 on Aug. 28, 2025, to investigate alleged graft and corruption among department officials.

DPWH chief rejects calls to resign as he vows to probe corruption in flood control projects

Despite the controversies, Bonoan maintained that many DPWH officials remain “decent and excellent” in their service.