The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) will press charges against Hi-Tone Corporation for failing to repair a section of the Navotas seawall damaged during past typhoons.

In interview with Dos Por Dos, DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon said he personally visited Navotas and Manila last Monday to inspect the affected areas.

He expressed frustration after learning from Congressman Toby Tiangco and Mayor John Ray Tiangco that the seawall was damaged by a dredger barge owned by Hi-Tone Corporation, and that the company had yet to repair it even months after the previous storms struck the country.

“Medyo nagalit ako dahil sa report sa akin ni Congressman Toby Tiangco at ni Mayor John Ray Tiangco, na yung palang winasak na parte ng seawall nung Hi-Tone Corporation. Meron po kasi silang barge, dredger barge na tumama doon sa seawall nung nakaraan pang mga bagyo na hanggang ngayon, hindi pa nila pinapagawa,” Sec. Dizon said.

He added that the DPWH would now take responsibility for the reconstruction while pursuing legal action to hold Hi-Tone accountable.

“So nag-commit na lang po ako, nag-decision na po ako noong Lunes, sinabi ko kay Congressman Toby, kay Mayor John Ray, na ang DPWH na po ang magpapagawa noon. At kakasuhan na lang po natin yung Hi-Tone Corporation,”

“Babawiin natin ‘yong gagastusin natin na pagpapagawa ng seawall. So, sabay-sabay po natin kailangan gawin ito kasi sabi po ng Pangulo, kailangan, bilisan natin natin,”

Sec. Dizon also criticized Hi-Tone Corporation for its delay, highlighting its controversial ownership.

“Ito yung corporation na pagmamay-ari ng kapatid ni former Congressman Zaldy Co. Hanggang ngayon pa rin, hindi pa pa nila inaayos.”

According to Dizon it has been an estimated three to four months since the seawall was damaged and unrepaired while other infrastructures have been accounted for.

The DPWH will now supervise the repair to ensure the safety of coastal communities in Navotas while seeking to recover costs and hold the company accountable.