Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon on Thursday vowed to launch an investigation and force out high-ranking officials in the agency with ties to contractors.

This comes in response to Batangas 1st District Rep. Leandro Leviste’s revelation during a press conference earlier the same day, which Dizon said he is thankful for.

“He heard rumors or he heard some talk about it. But still, importanteng malaman ko ‘yun, kaya nagpapasalamat ako sa kanya, sa kanyang mabilis na paglalabas nito sa ating mga kababayan,” Dizon said in a separate press conference.

“Pero ako po mismo, dahil sa report na ito ay mag-iinvestigate na rin ako on my own about this. But I would really appreciate if Congressman Leviste could give me more specifics, if possible, names and circumstances. And believe me, I will act on it, nakilala niyo ko, DOTr pa lang. I will never tolerate it. And immediately tanggal ‘yan, baka kasuhan ko pa,” he emphasized.

Dizon stressed that the DPWH, a vital government agency, must be cleansed from corruption and regain the public’s trust, in line with President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s directive.

“Kailangan linisin ang DPWH, from top to bottom. Kaya lahat po ng ginagawa natin nitong nakaraang buwan… is para sundin ‘yung utos sa’tin ng Pangulo. Dahil napaka-importante po ng DPWH sa buhay ng ating mga kababayan, kaya talagang nakakalungkot at nakakagalit na itong napaka-importanteng ahensya na ‘to ay ginamit sa pagnanakaw. Kaya ‘yun ang pinipilit nating gawin ngayon,” he told the press.

The public works chief assured that he is not in direct contact with any contractor and expressed confidence in the credibility of his newly-appointed undersecretaries, whom he said were carefully selected.