Dizon axes 4 DPWH officials amid probe on alleged corruption in flood control projects

MANILA — Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon has ordered the removal of four Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) officials in Davao City and Cebu amid allegations of corruption, as the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) intensifies its probe into questionable flood control projects.

Three of the officials were assigned to Davao City, where alleged irregularities in government-funded flood control projects have prompted the filing of criminal complaints against executives of a private construction company.

Dizon identified the three as Davao District Engineer Richard Ragasa, Assistant District Engineer Lilibeth Sarmiento and Construction Chief Roberto Mamaril.

Also ordered removed was Roberto Catingub, construction chief of the DPWH Cebu 4th District, following allegations that he had extorted money from contractors.

The personnel shake-up underscores Dizon’s strict enforcement of a “one-strike” policy aimed at addressing corruption and misconduct within the agency, particularly in the implementation of public infrastructure projects.

The removals came on the heels of the NBI’s filing of complaints before the Department of Justice (DOJ) last week against 11 officials of Genesis88 Construction Inc. and several unidentified individuals designated as John Does and Jane Does.

The complaints stemmed from suspected irregularities in flood control projects undertaken in Davao City, raising questions about the implementation and oversight of government infrastructure contracts.

NBI Director Melvin Matibag said investigators had uncovered indications of possible violations of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act in connection with the questioned projects.

The investigation seeks to establish the extent of the alleged irregularities and determine whether government personnel and private contractors should be held accountable.

The removal of the DPWH officials, however, does not automatically establish their involvement in the alleged anomalies, while the complaints filed against the construction company executives remain subject to evaluation and legal proceedings.

The developments place renewed scrutiny on the DPWH’s supervision of flood control projects and its efforts to safeguard public funds against corruption and abuse.

Dizon’s latest personnel actions also signal a tougher administrative response to allegations of wrongdoing as authorities pursue possible criminal accountability in the government’s infrastructure program./PN