Substandard? Flood control dike collapse in Pampanga under probe

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January 26, 2026 | 4:32pm

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) said it will investigate the collapse of a flood control dike in Arayat, Pampanga.

The dike in Barangay Candating reportedly collapsed on January 23, affecting several houses.

DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon said the collapse may have been caused by a design flaw.

“It would seem that the design for the flood control in Candating, Arayat is not correct,” Dizon said in Filipino.

Dizon did not identify the contractor but said the agency had already been asking the firm to fix the structure due to its failing foundations.

“Kailangan na tayong magdesisyon dito na talagang panagutin na yung mga dapat managot dyan. Kasama na yung mga tao sa DPWH, kasama yung kontratista, and meron na ring nagrereport sa atin na mga links sa mga kongresista. So lahat 'yan kailangan imbestigahan natin,” Dizon said in a media release.

(We need to decide here to really hold accountable those who must be accountable. This includes the people in the DPWH, the contractor, and some have reported that there are links to Congressmen. So all of this must be investigated.) 

Dizon said the DPWH will submit its recommendations to the Office of the Ombudsman and the Department of Justice.

Flawed design under probe

In a separate statement, the DPWH said it will conduct a full-blown investigation following reports of flawed designs.

“Engineering teams are already on-site to implement urgent measures to protect affected houses and residents. The design will be overhauled to ensure a structurally sound and permanent flood control system,” the DPWH said.

The country has been grappling with corruption allegations involving public works projects, with the DPWH cited in reports of kickbacks involving lawmakers, officials, and contractors. Billions of pesos are suspected to have been lost, while public trust in government institutions has been affected.