MANILA, Philippines – Sixteen officials of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in Bulacan have been preventively suspended by the Office of the Ombudsman following allegations of irregularities in flood control projects. The suspensions, effective September 18, come amid a criminal complaint filed by the DPWH itself, alleging corruption and violations of procurement laws.
The ombudsman’s decision targets key personnel within the DPWH Bulacan 1st district Engineering Office, signaling a meaningful escalation in the examination of alleged anomalies in projects located in Malolos, Hagonoy, Bulakan, and Baliwag. The case centers on five flood control projects and carries implications for public trust in infrastructure spending and the government’s disaster preparedness efforts in a region frequently impacted by flooding.
Acting Ombudsman Dante Vargas ordered the suspension of the following officials: Benedict J. Matawaran (Head, Procurement Unit), Christina Mae D. Pineda (Cashier II), Paul Jayson F. Duya (Project Engineer), Merg Jaron C.Laus (Project Engineer), Lemuel Ephraim C. Roque (Project Engineer), Arjay S. Domasig (Project Engineer),John Carlo C. Rivera (Project Engineer), John Benex S. Francisco (Project Engineer), Roberto A. Roque (Head, Budget Unit), John michael E. Ramos (Chief Construction Section), Ernesto C. Galang (Chief, Planning And Design Section), Lorenzo A. Pagtalunan (OIC-Chief, Maintenance Section), Norberto L. Santos (Chief, Quality Assurance Section), Jaimer Hernandez (OIC-Chief, maintenance Section), Floralyn Y. Simbulan (Chief, Administrative Section), and Jolo Mari.V Tayao (Engineer II).
the criminal complaint alleges violations of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices act (Republic Act 3019),malversation through falsification of public documents,and the Government procurement Act. Additionally, former Bulacan 1st district engineer Henry Alcantara, former district engineer Brice Hernandez, former assistant district engineer Jaypee Mendoza, and former chief finance section Juanito Mendoza - all previously dismissed - are also named in the complaint.
The preventive suspensions are limited to a maximum of six months without pay, unless delays in the case are attributed to the actions of the suspended officials.
