Manila, Philippines — The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) held a press conference yesterday, September 24 to address reports against Regional Directors and District Engineers over lavish lifestyles and substandard projects.
Pampanga 1st District Engineer Almer Miranda was included in the list shown by the DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon in the press conference.
Miranda is linked to a ₱280-million flood control project in Candating, Arayat, Pampanga which has collapsed despite being designed as a 110-meter structure.
Senator Panfilo Lacson earlier tagged the project as anomalous.
DPWH Secretary Dizon inspected the site on Tuesday with Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) adviser Benjamin Magalong, while questions remain over whether contractor Eddmari Construction truly built the structure.
The project has also been linked to former Deputy Speaker Aurelio “Dong” Gonzales, who denied any role in its implementation.
Miranda and other DPWH officials were issued show-cause orders and given five days to submit written reports on the matter.
Once investigations are completed, they will face possible administrative charges.
“Pasensyahan tayo dito. Kung akala nila—ng mga opisyales—na hindi ko seseryosohin ang mga sinasabi ko from the very beginning, I hope this is proof that this is serious,” DPWH Sec. Vince Dizon said.
He urged implicated officials to come forward, adding: “H’wag niyo nang hintayin na mahuli pa kayo, makasuhan pa kayo. Lumantad na kayo, magsabi na kayo ng totoo ngayon pa lang.”
Secretary Dizon emphasized that the provided list is only partial and will continue to investigate the case based on reports given to the agency.
He also stressed that nobody will be spared to prove that he and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. are serious about the matter.—Shai Morales, Eurotv News