By Ferdinand Patinio
MANILA – Four local officials of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in the cities of Davao and Cebu were sacked from their posts for various offenses.
According to DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon, those that have been relieved from their posts effective Monday were Richard Ragasa, formerly assigned in Davao City; Lilibeth Sarmiento, assistant District Engineer; and Roberto Mamaril, head of the Construction Section.
The three were among those recommended by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) for the filing of charges for violation of the Anti-Graft and Corruption Practices Act and Falsification by Public Officer in relation to flood control and other projects by the Genesis88 Construction in the said city.
On the other hand, Renato Catingub, head of the Construction Section of the DPWH 4th Engineering District in Cebu, was sacked from his post based on the complaints lodged by 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 the inspection of Diokno Pumping Station in Pasay City.
He noted that the relief of the four DPWH officials must serve as a stern warning that the department is serious in its campaign to bring back the trust and confidence of the people to the government.
“To everyone in the DPWH: If you commit any wrongdoing or face charges, you will be automatically dismissed immediately,” Dizon said.
“We are on a one-strike policy; once someone reports it, you are fired immediately,” he added.
*More heads will roll*
Dizon said he will be announcing or identifying erring DPWH personnel in the coming weeks as investigations are still ongoing.
“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.
“Officials at the regional and district offices are currently finalizing reports from the Legal Service and the Internal Audit Investigations Service. I will announce the names of those who will be removed in the coming months,” he added.
*Coast Guard assistance*
On the other hand, Dizon said they will seek the assistance of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) to make sure that the several pumping stations along Roxas Blvd. are well-guarded amid the arrest of three individuals suspected to have stolen cable and electric component of 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.
The Secretary said he wants those arrested to do the work of its personnel, for them to experience how is it to collect trash, and clean esteros, which are being done by honest and hardworking men and women of the agency.
“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.
“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. (PNA)
