MANILA — The Department of Public Works and Highways (Department of Public Works and Highways) on Monday relieved eight regional and district officials from their posts as an internal investigation expands, signaling a wider shake-up in the agency’s leadership.
DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon said the removals cover both regional and district levels and are part of a broader reshuffle aimed at addressing issues under review within the department.
“I will be announcing changes starting with the regions and some districts today. And the first announcement I will be making is the relief of four regional directors,” Dizon said at a press conference.
He added that the officials were relieved due to “ongoing investigations,” noting that a significant number of DPWH personnel are currently being reviewed, although he declined to provide specific details.
The relieved regional directors are Ronnel M. Tan of Region 1, Jovel G. Mendoza of Region 4A, Virgilio C. Eduarte of Region 5, and Danilo J. Villa of Region 7. Also removed were two assistant regional directors: Neil C. Farala of Region 4B and Annie S. Dela Vega of Region 5.
At the district level, Ruel V. Umali of the Metro Manila 3rd District Engineering Office and Manny B. Bulusan of the South Manila District Engineering Office were likewise relieved amid the probe.
Separately, the DPWH also removed several officials serving in officer-in-charge capacities after they were found to have failed to meet the qualifications set by the Civil Service Commission. These include Sherylann Gonzales of the La Union 1st District Engineering Office, Roy Pacanan of the Iloilo City District Engineering Office, and Peter Scheller Soco of the Leyte 4th District Engineering Office.
Dizon said the leadership changes are part of continuing efforts to enforce accountability within the agency as investigations proceed./PN
