The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has removed four officials in Cebu and Davao City from their posts over alleged misconduct, with Secretary Vince Dizon warning that more personnel could face dismissal as investigations continue.
Effective Monday, the relieved officials included Richard Ragasa, formerly assigned in Davao City; Assistant District Engineer Lilibeth Sarmiento; and Construction Section head Roberto Mamaril.
The three were among the officials recommended by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) for the filing of charges for alleged violations of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act and falsification by a public officer in connection with flood control and other projects undertaken by Genesis88 Construction in Davao City.
In Cebu, Dizon relieved Renato Catingub, head of the Construction Section of the DPWH 4th Engineering District, following complaints from contractors in the province.
“Someone reported to me that a construction chief in Cebu is extorting money from contractors in Cebu,” Dizon said in an interview during an inspection of the Diokno Pumping Station in Pasay City.
Dizon said the removals should serve as a warning that the department would act against personnel accused of wrongdoing as it seeks to restore public trust in government.
“To everyone in the DPWH: If you commit any wrongdoing or face charges, you will be automatically dismissed immediately,” he said.
“We are on a one-strike policy; once someone reports it, you are fired immediately,” he added.
Dizon said the department was still investigating other personnel and would identify additional officials facing removal in the coming weeks and months.
“There are ongoing investigations at the moment. I will make an announcement in the next few weeks involving District Engineers, Assistant District Engineers among others,” he said.
He added that regional and district offices were finalizing reports from the DPWH Legal Service and Internal Audit Investigations Service before the department announces further personnel actions.
Coast Guard to help secure pumping stations
Separately, Dizon said the DPWH would seek assistance from the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) to guard six pumping stations along Roxas Boulevard following the arrest of three people suspected of stealing cables and electrical components from the Diokno Pumping Station.
“Regarding the six pumping stations here on Roxas Boulevard, we will deploy the Philippine Coast Guard—heavily armed Coast Guard personnel—along Roxas Boulevard to deter those lunatics who are planning to commit theft,” he said.
Dizon also said he wanted those arrested to experience the work performed by DPWH personnel, including collecting trash and clearing drainage systems.
“They should experience the hardships faced by our fellow citizens who earn an honest living—people who, despite their own struggles, would never resort to theft. Our President has repeatedly stated that we will not tolerate this kind of behavior,” Dizon said.
He described the theft of public infrastructure components as an injustice to workers who perform demanding jobs to maintain drainage systems and other facilities.
“It is a grave injustice, especially toward our honest, hardworking laborers—such as those at the DPWH, whose work is incredibly demanding—clearing away trash and cleaning out drainage systems. Yet, there are some unscrupulous individuals among us who just go ahead and steal, then sell what they’ve taken; that is simply unacceptable,” he said.
Photo courtesy of Inquirer.net
Comments