Abra Under Scrutiny: DPWH probes alleged multi-billion-peso kickbacks and project irregularities

Baguio City, Philippines – The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), under Secretary Vince Dizon, has launched an investigation in Abra province over alleged multi-billion-peso “kickbacks” and irregularities in infrastructure projects.

In recent months, the DPWH has faced scrutiny over questionable contract implementations and alleged irregularities in various infrastructure projects. Rumors have circulated that some politicians and public officials nationwide may have received kickbacks from these projects.

During an interview with a national news outlet in Baguio, Secretary Dizon revealed that the investigation in Abra has already begun and that the team “found something.”

“Undersecretary (and retired police general) Arthur Bisnar, who is leading the investigations, has already gone to Abra and is reviewing the various projects there,” Dizon was quoted as saying.

To recall, Abra received funding for ten infrastructure projects totaling P842 million. These projects are part of a broader list of 61 Cordillera flood control projects valued at P3.417 billion. While Abra was not mentioned in previous congressional hearings, these flood control and infrastructure projects are now under agency review.

Secretary Dizon noted that findings from Abra will soon be reported to the Office of the Ombudsman for proper legal action. “Usec Bisnar has uncovered something, and he will be making the proper referrals to the Ombudsman, maybe by March,” Dizon added.