MANILA – The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has recovered an additional P40 million in alleged kickbacks from its National Capital Region (NCR) Director, part of a growing wave of returns amid the intensifying P20-billion flood control corruption probe. The disclosure, made on December 17, 2025, by DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon, brings total restitutions to over P100 million since the scandal erupted, involving ghost projects, substandard dikes, and systematic bribery that left communities exposed to typhoons like Uwan.
Dizon confirmed the NCR director—whose name remains withheld pending formal charges—voluntarily surrendered the funds after internal audits and cooperation with the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI). “This is a positive development; it shows accountability is taking root,” Dizon said, adding that more returns are expected as probes deepen into contracts awarded since 2016.
The P40 million, traced to inflated bids and commissions from favored contractors, follows earlier recoveries from regional engineers and suppliers. ICI sources indicate the director admitted receiving percentages from projects in Metro Manila, where flood mitigation works often failed during heavy rains.
Broader Probe Progress
- Total Recovered: >P100 million (cash, assets).
- Implicated: At least 37 officials/contractors; several under restrictive custody.
- Actions: Asset freezes, resignations, and referrals to Ombudsman for plunder/graft.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s “no sacred cows” directive has fueled the momentum, with Dizon vowing: “Every peso returned goes back to legitimate infrastructure—no merry Christmas for the corrupt.”
Critics, including the Trillion Peso March organizers, welcomed the returns but demanded prosecutions: “Money back is good, but jail time is justice.” The Senate Blue Ribbon Committee continues hearings, eyeing legislative fixes like stricter bidding and geo-tagging.
For flood-weary Filipinos, these recoveries offer tangible relief—proof that in the graft cleanup, returned kickbacks pave the way for real resilience.
Recovery Snapshot:
| Source | Amount Returned | Date Reported |
|---|---|---|
| NCR Director | P40 million | Dec 17, 2025 |
| Previous (Various) | ~P60 million | Ongoing |
| Total | >P100 million | As of Dec 17 |