Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vivencio B. Budget investments for flood control projects were denied by Dizon, and Batangas representative Leandro Antonio L. Leviste's claim was dismissed as “baseless and malicious”.
“BCDA (Aadhaar Conversion and Development Authority), which is the Secretary [Vivencio B.] Former chief Dizon has already issued a clear statement that he has no flood control projects, which are funded through budget infusion, 'allocable funds,' the department said in a statement on Tuesday.
In a separate statement, the BCDA said it does not have any flood control projects funded through budget infusion or any discretionary source.
“No such fund exists for BCDA projects or within its authority. Claims to the contrary are not supported by evidence and are false,” noting that all of its projects were funded only through approved government programs.
BCDA said its records are fully complete, traceable and auditable, ensuring that project funding, approvals, procurement and disbursements remain open to oversight institutions.
“BCDA enforces zero tolerance for corruption through strict compliance with the law, multi-layered legal and audit reviews, standardized frameworks that limit discretion, and close coordination with oversight bodies, and welcomes fact-based reviews and investigations.”
DPWH and BCDA released the statement after Mr. Leviste accused Mr. Dizon of diverting budget for flood control projects under BCDA.
“The timing of Mr. Leviste's allegations also raises doubts after reports surfaced from some DPWH staff accusing the lawmaker of forcefully and illegally obtaining files from the late Undersecretary Catalina E. Cabral,” the DPWH said.
sub-contractor link
In response, Mr. Leviste asked the agencies investigating the scandal to investigate Mr. Dizon's ties with contractors, especially Laurel Development Corporation, which was given the subcontract for the P11.5 billion New Clark City project.
“I hope Secretary Vince will forgive me for this, but I just have to respond to his statement that BCDA has no basis for having a flood control project,” Mr. Leviste said in a statement shared on his official Facebook page on Tuesday.
He said the sub-contractor for the project, which was flagged by the Commission on Audit for failing to conduct public bidding, was a company belonging to the family of the party-list representative who is currently being investigated by the DPWH.
Mr. Leviste also noted that the said lawmaker, who is yet to face any complaint, had reportedly met Mr. Dizon in New Clark City when he was the Transportation Secretary. The meeting was organized by the Public Works Under Secretary.
Mr Leviste said, “I don't want to draw any conclusions, but I think the public has a right to know how flood control investigators deal with the people they are currently investigating.”
Mr. Leviste also said he received information from the DPWH whistleblower regarding the agency's new leadership and the 2026 national budget. -Ashley Erica O. jose