DPWH Secretary Mark Villar. INQUIRER file photo / LYN RILLON
MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has issued at least 11 show-cause orders to its personnel to have them explain alleged irregularities in the agency.
DPWH Secretary Mark Villar said Wednesday that this is among the actions taken by its internal task force that investigates alleged anomalies within the department.
“Internally, meron na kaming (we already have an) internal task force, and to date, I think more than 11 show-cause orders have already been given. This is part of the process. We do a show-cause and then they give an explanation. If there is found to be a cause, then we can institute a suspension,” he said during the Kapihan sa Manila Bay forum.
Villar noted that the process of investigation for the alleged irregularities will undergo normal civil service procedures.
“Of course we have to go through the process of investigating them. But at least we have already compiled many cases and we already have show-cause [orders] so we can expect na magkakaroon din ng (that there will be) accomplishments in the very near future,” he added.
According to the DPWH chief, the show-cause orders were issued following complaints from other stakeholders. He said some of the complaints are about the procurement and delays in the implementation of certain projects and even the lifestyle of the employees.
He assured that the accused person will be given the opportunity to comment on the accusations and that the evidence presented by the complainants will be thoroughly examined.
“At this point, we are at the show-cause. We will wait for the comments and then when they have commented, we will proceed to investigate and suspend if necessary if grounds are sufficient,” said Villar.
“We have to also look at the evidence. Kasi minsan it could be that minsan pinepressure lang, tinatakot (Because sometimes it is possible that the personnel were just being pressured or threatened through the complaints),” he added.
The sanctions, according to Villar, will depend on the gravity of the charges and could range from administrative to criminal penalties.
The issuance of show-cause orders to DPWH employees comes after President Rodrigo Duterte in October ordered the anti-corruption task force headed by the Department of Justice to focus on investigating alleged irregularities at the DPWH.