The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has suspended the licenses of 20 engineers and several other personnel allegedly involved in anomalies tied to flood control projects.
The move follows the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the DPWH and the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) on Friday, October 3.
DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon said the partnership with the PRC is crucial to ensuring accountability and preventing similar irregularities in the future.
“Unang-una po, ayon na rin sa direktiba ng ating Pangulo na kailangang managot itong mga na-involve dito sa napakalaking anomalya sa loob ng DPWH. Napakaimportante din ‘yong cooperation na nakuha natin sa Professional Regulation Commission,” Dizon said.
He confirmed that the MOA initially covers the revocation of licenses of 20 engineers from the Bulacan First District Engineering Office, but more cases are expected.
“Bulacan pa lang ito. Ito pa lang ‘yong unang proyekto. Marami pang parating,” Dizon noted.
Apart from engineers, Dizon emphasized that other regulated professionals involved in the anomalies—such as accountants—will also face sanctions.
“Lahat ng regulated professions covered dito. Halimbawa, ‘yong accountant, kasama din ‘yon sa mga kinasuhan natin… Ang importante dito, kailangan may accountability, hindi lang ng mga contractor, pero accountability din no’ng mga professional officials and employees ng DPWH,” he added.
Dizon also named four individuals he referred to as “superstars” in the anomaly: Henry Alcantara, Bryce Hernandez, JP Mendoza, and Paul Duya.
“So ‘yon ‘yong apat. By the way, ‘yong apat na ‘yon dismissed na sa DPWH, pero kasama pa ng mga ibang project engineer ay ‘yong cashier, who is apparently a CPA,” he said.
He further explained that all 20 personnel named in the initial case filed before the Ombudsman are included in the list forwarded to the PRC.
“Lahat no’ng na-name na 20 DPWH personnel doon sa unang kasong na-file natin sa Ombudsman [ay] kasama dito sa initial na sinubmit natin sa PRC,” Dizon stressed.