Two officials from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in Central Visayas are under investigation for allegedly living lavish lifestyles and overseeing poor-quality projects. DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon has issued show cause orders to ten regional and district engineers, giving them five days to respond.
If evidence supports the claims, the cases will be forwarded to the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) for potential criminal charges. The documents will also reach the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC).
Among the ten officials are DPWH Regional Office 7 Director Danilo Villa and Atty. Brando Raya. When media representatives from GMA Regional TV Balitang Bisdak sought comments, they were told that the officials were not available and that inquiries must go through the DPWH Central Office.
The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) is ready to conduct a lifestyle check on these officials if instructed. Atty. Rennan Augustus Oliva, director of NBI-Central Visayas, confirmed this. Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro supports this lifestyle check and has urged the ICI to include the inquiry into flood control projects in Cebu. The province ranks second for the most flood mitigation projects managed by DPWH.
Recent inspections by the NBI have reviewed around 15 flood control projects in Cebu. Initial findings suggest that many are substandard. However, the NBI plans a more detailed technical investigation to confirm these results.
When examining the financial behaviors of public officials, researchers indicate that lifestyle audits can expose corruption. A 2022 report from Transparency International highlighted that 36% of public officials in developing nations faced similar scrutiny. As society grows more aware of these issues, public demand for accountability continues to rise.
For more information about infrastructure projects and related investigations, you can visit the Department of Justice and Transparency International.
Source link
2 of 10 DPWH officials deemed with
