Dizon: 3 DPWH-Davao officials sacked amid flood control probe

MANILA, Philippines — Three officials of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in Davao City were removed from their posts amid the investigation of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) into alleged anomalies of flood control projects in the city, according to Secretary Vince Dizon on Monday. 

Dizon said that the following officials are relieved immediately as the investigation is ongoing: Former District Engineer Richard Ragasa (currently assigned as Assistant Regional Director of DPWH Region 4-B); Assistant District Engineer Lilibeth Sarmiento; and Construction Chief Roberto Mamaril.

READ: NBI recommends raps vs DPWH execs, firm in P7-B Davao City projects

“Sila yung mga kasama sa mga iniimbestigahan ng NBI na dinala nasa DOJ [Department of Justice] at Ombudsman involved sa kasong finile ng NBI regarding flood control projects in Davao, yung mga involved sa alleged anomalies sa Genesis88 sa Davao,” Dizon told reporters in an interview. 

(They are among those being investigated by the NBI that was referred to the DOJ and Ombudsman involved in the case filed by the NBI regarding flood control projects in Davao, those involved in the alleged anomalies by Genesis88 in Davao.)

Last October 13, NBI Director Melvin Matibag said that his agency recommended to the DOJ the filing of complaints against DPWH officials and Genesis88 Construction for alleged violations of the Anti-Graft and Corruption Practices and Falsification by Public Officer. 

Matibag said that Genesis88 supposedly got P7 billion worth of flood control projects in the first district of Davao City, which is represented in the House of Representatives by Rep. Paolo “Pulong” Duterte. 

READ: Matibag: P7B flood projects in Duterte district went to 1 contractor

The three DPWH officials are among the 12 officials and contractors from Genesis88 that the NBI recommended filing cases against. 

Meanwhile, Dizon also shared that Engr. Renato Catingub, the construction chief of the DPWH in the 4th district of Cebu, is also removed from his post over reports of extorting contractors. Dizon noted that his agency implements “one strike policy” where DPWH personnel or officials subject of anomalous reports will be immediately removed from their offices. 

Dizon then once again issued his warning to all DPWH personnel and officials. 

“Sa lahat ng mga tiga DPWH, kapag ka kayo ay gumawa ng kalokohan o nakasuhan, automatic tanggal kayo sa pwesto so mayroon pang currently iniimbestigahan ngayon and I will be announcing in the next few weeks,” he added.

(To everyone working in the DPWH, if you will be involved in anomalies, you will be automatically removed from your post and we are currently investigating more and I will be announcing in the next few weeks.) /jpv