Dizon picks new DPWH execs for Bulacan 1st District

Department of Public Works and Highways Secretary Vince Dizon on Monday introduced the new officials who will lead the DPWH Bulacan 1st District Engineering Office, which has been embroiled in controversies related to flood control projects.

Dizon announced that Kenneth Fernando will serve as officer-in-charge district engineer, while Paul Gumabas was named assistant district engineer.

He also appointed retired Army General Rommel Tello as regional director of DPWH Central Luzon.

Dizon described his meeting with the new DPWH district appointees as “symbolic,” gathering them around the “infamous” conference table once shown in photos stacked with cash reportedly handed out as kickbacks from flood control projects.

The DPWH chief warned the new officials against involvement in corrupt practices, emphasizing the urgent need for solutions for the people of Bulacan, who have long suffered from flooding.

“Our people in Bulacan need solutions. Yes, they want accountability, but they also need solutions because they are suffering every day—practically six months a year—due to recurring floods,” Dizon said.

“Huwag kayong gagaya doon sa mga papalitan niyo (Do not imitate your predecessors),” he added.

The Commission on Audit (COA) has filed four Fraud Audit Reports (FARs) with the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) over what it described as “rampant irregularities” in Bulacan flood control projects amounting to P297 million.

According to COA, the four questioned projects were all implemented by the DPWH Bulacan 1st District Engineering Office (DEO).

Former DPWH Bulacan engineers Henry Alcantara, Brice Ericson Hernandez, and Jaypee Mendoza—key figures in the alleged kickback scheme in flood control projects in the province’s first engineering district—were found to be involved in all four projects included in COA’s latest FARs.—MCG, GMA Integrated News