DPWH district engineer suspended over alleged bribery try

A district engineer of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) who was arrested for reportedly offering to bribe a Batangas congressman with P3.126 million will be relieved of his assignment and placed on preventive suspension.

According to the DPWH, the recent allegations against the engineer identified as a certain “Abe” are “deeply concerning” and are “being taken very seriously.”

The suspect, identified as DPWH Batangas 1st District Engineer Abelardo Calalo, was arrested in a special operation in Taal, Batangas on Friday evening.

Initial investigation showed that the suspect supposedly offered Barangas 1st District Representative Leandro Leviste a bribe worth P3.126 million in an attempt to dissuade investigation into the alleged anomalies involving DPWH projects within the district.

“As public servants, we at the DPWH do not condone any form of misconduct,” the DPWH said in a statement released Monday.

"The individual involved will be relieved of his assignment, and preventive suspension will be implemented," it added.

The suspect, currently under custody of the Taal Municipal Police Station for booking and proper disposition, faces charges for corruption of public officials under the Revised Penal Code, as well as violation of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act at the Batangas Provincial Prosecutors Office.

He refused to give a statement when asked by GMA Integrated News reporter Ian Cruz.

“We fully support the ongoing investigation by the proper authorities and stand firm in our commitment to transparency and integrity in public service,” the DPWH said.

“We firmly believe that those found to have engaged in any wrongdoing must face the full consequences of their actions in accordance with the law,” it added.

For his part, DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan said that should the allegations be true, the engineer deserved to be arrested and there was no need to visit him in detention.

Bonoan also earlier hinted at a possible “cleansing” in the DPWH to rid itself of erring officials and personnel.

During his State of the Nation Address (SONA) last July, President Ferinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. warned government personnel who steal public funds — such as those for flood control projects — to have some shame.

He also earlier launched a website on flood control projects (sumbongsapangulo.ph) and urged the public to take part in reporting those involved in faulty projects. 

Marcos also said 20% of the P545-billion budget for flood control projects was awarded to only 15 contractors, five of whom have contracts across the country. —KG, GMA Integrated News