Corrupt practices in DPWH still present, says Belgica

MANILA, Philippines — Recent investigations have shown that corruption is still present in the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Presidential Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC) chairman Greco Belgica said Monday.

Belgica made the remark during the online manifesto signing between PACC and DPWH as a part of the “Tokhang Laban sa Korapsyon” program.

“Sa ngayon, ang mga reklamo na sinisiyasat namin ay nagtuturo na ang ganitong pamamalakad ay patuloy na nagaganap,” Belgica said, referring to corrupt practices.

(Right now, the complaints that we are investigating have indicated that these kinds of practices are still happening.)

“May mga diretsong testimonya na mga galing sa contractors, barangay at local government officials at mga testimonya ng ilan sa inyong mga kawani na nakalap namin sa aming mga imbestigasyon. Ito na ang panahon para pigilan ang ganitong laganap, lihis na kalakaran ng korapsyon,” he added.

(We have direct testimonies from contractors, barangay and local government officials, as well as testimonies from some of your officials that we have gathered from our investigation. This is the time to stop these kinds of corrupt activities.)

Belgica likewise reminded DPWH officials of the “one strike policy” in relation to graft.

“We will press all our powers and authority to make sure, as instructed by the President, that no one gets away with these illegal activities,” Belgica said.

In December last year, President Rodrigo Duterte ordered the immediate relief of several district engineers of DPWH purportedly involved in the alleged corrupt practices of some House lawmakers.

The House lawmakers named by the President, however, have since denied their involvement in the alleged corrupt practices.

During the manifesto signing, Belgica asked for the help of DPWH officials to help weed out corruption in the agency and in the government.

“We will be asking for your cooperation in the establishment of command centers from the national to the lowest level of your bureaucracy to be monitored by your own designated personnel acting as our deputies, volunteers and other stakeholders,” Belgica said.

“PACC will also require anti-corruption advocacy learning instructions among DPWH personnel in coordination with the PACC,” he added.

JE