The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has ordered NCR Regional Director Gerard Opulencia to explain the alleged irregularities surrounding the ₱774-million Sunog Apog Pumping Station in Tondo, Manila.
In a show cause order released Friday night, DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon gave Opulencia five days to respond under oath.
“In this regard, you are hereby directed to submit within five days from receipt of this Order your written explanation under oath as to why no administrative disciplinary action should be taken against you in light of the foregoing findings,” the order stated.
Dizon personally inspected the pumping station on Wednesday and branded the project “useless” after finding that it has never worked properly since its completion in 2020, despite being fully paid.
Instead of easing floods, the station reportedly worsened the problem, with residents saying water levels have become higher in the area.
The inspection also revealed that the facility had no building permit and no power connection, preventing Meralco from energizing it and raising questions about compliance with regulations.
Despite these issues, a ₱94-million upgrading project was pushed through, with an additional ₱200-million proposal also put forward—without resolving the defects or proving the station’s functionality.
The order likewise pointed out the apparent lack of coordination with the Manila City government in both the planning and execution of the project.
“These circumstances, if left unexplained, may constitute gross neglect of duty, grave misconduct, inefficiency, and/or conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service, in violation of civil service laws, rules, and regulations,” the SCO read.
“Failure to submit the required explanation within the prescribed period shall be construed as a waiver of your right to be heard, and this Office shall proceed to resolve the matter based on the evidence and records on hand.”
Dizon was joined during the inspection by Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) Special Adviser and Baguio City Mayor Benjie Magalong, as well as Manila Mayor Isko Moreno Domagoso.