DPWH Dismisses Three Officials Over Corrupt Flood Control Projects in Bulacan

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has officially dismissed three officials from its Bulacan First District Engineering Office after finding them guilty of serious administrative violations linked to questionable flood control projects.

In a decision dated September 15 and signed by DPWH Secretary Vivencio “Vince” B. Dizon, former Assistant District Engineer Brice Ericson D. Hernandez, Construction Division Chief Jaypee D. Mendoza, and Accountant Juanito C. Mendoza were removed from service. Alongside their dismissal, the officials face a permanent ban from holding public office, forfeiture of retirement benefits, and cancellation of their civil service eligibility.

The charges against them include disloyalty to the Republic of the Philippines and its citizens, grave misconduct, gross neglect of duty, and conduct prejudicial to the service’s best interests. The department emphasized that this penalty does not preclude the filing of separate civil or criminal charges.

University of the Philippines Diliman political analyst Danilo A. Arao described the dismissals as “a step in the right direction,” but stressed the need for a comprehensive investigation covering other agencies involved in public spending and oversight, such as the Commission on Audit, Department of Budget and Management, Congress, and Malacañang.

Mr. Arao remarked, "The implicated private contractors and DPWH officers are likely just the surface of a larger issue."

Meanwhile, UP Diliman associate professor Perlita M. Frago cautioned that removing individuals alone will not address entrenched corruption. She stressed the importance of establishing safeguards at all levels to prevent recurrence and increasing transparency throughout the process.

"Excluding politicians and elected officials from decision-making is critical; if they remain involved, strict measures such as permanent disqualification from public office should act as deterrents," Frago added.

In a similar tone, Ken Abante, co-convener of the People’s Budget Coalition, called for accountability beyond the dismissed officials, urging the government to pursue the key figures orchestrating the flood control scandal.

This development highlights ongoing challenges within infrastructure governance and underscores the urgent need for systemic reforms to uphold integrity and public trust.