By Ferdinand Patinio | Philippine News Agency
Two former heads of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) have expressed support for the agency’s efforts to cleanse its ranks amid the controversy involving flood control projects.
In a statement, Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon said he welcomed former DPWH secretaries Jose de Jesus and Rogelio Singson during the strategic planning session of the agency’s new executive committee on Saturday.
He said the two former chiefs would be sharing their experience and best practices in running the agency.
“The contribution of Mr. De Jesus and Mr. Singson is very important because of their wisdom and experience as former DPWH secretaries,” Dizon said.
The session, being held in Clark, Pampanga, aims to develop guidelines for the smooth operation of the agency.
Dizon said the planning session complies with the order of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to restore the integrity of the DPWH.
De Jesus served as DPWH secretary from 1990 to 1993 under President Corazon Aquino.
On the other hand, Singson served the agency from 2010 to 2016 under President Benigno Aquino III.
He was recently appointed by the President as a member of the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI), which is investigating anomalous flood control projects.
DPWH official resigns amid Leviste claims
Meanwhile, in a press conference on Friday, Dizon said he has accepted the irrevocable resignation of Arrey Perez as undersecretary for Operations in charge of Convergence Projects and Technical Services.
This as Batangas 1st District Rep. Leandro Leviste alleged that Perez has connections with a contractor.
“He didn’t want to be a hindrance. He didn’t want to be a cause of distraction. He tendered his irrevocable resignation and I accepted it,” he said. “Usec. Perez is no longer part of the DPWH. He himself took the initiative.”
Perez was among the five who took their oaths as DPWH undersecretaries on Sept. 29.
Dizon said the probe on the allegations will continue, saying, “Just because he resigned, we will no longer investigate. He would still be investigated.”
He noted that their crusade against corruption in the department is based on two things: Facts and transparency.
“We can’t hold them accountable if the basis is speculation,” he said.
He assured officials and employees who are hardworking and performing efficiently have nothing to worry about, “If you were the opposite then … maybe now, you believe I’m serious—we will not spare anybody.”
