Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon has dismissed three officials in Bulacan province in connection with fraudulent flood control projects, the department said Monday in a Facebook post.
Brice Ericson Hernandez, former assistant district engineer, along with Jaypee Mendoza, construction section chief and Juanito Mendoza, accountant, were found guilty of disloyalty to the Republic, grave misconduct, gross neglect of duty and conduct prejudicial to the interest of the service, the DPWH said.
The dismissals follow a directive from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to hold those involved in the anomalous projects accountable, it said.
Dizon said that in addition to their termination, the officials were perpetually disqualified from holding any public office. The department’s decision said the dismissals were “without prejudice to the filing of separate civil or criminal charges.”
Dizon said earlier those involved in the projects would not only be jailed, but would also be required to return stolen public funds.
He said the DPWH is coordinating with the newly formed Independent Commission on Infrastructure and would work with the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) as ordered by the president.
He was scheduled to meet with the Anti-Money Laundering Council on Monday to discuss the possible freezing and later forfeiture of assets of those involved in the grave theft of public funds.
“It is not enough that they are held accountable. The people’s money must be returned. So, every criminal case we file with the Ombudsman will have a parallel process to return the public’s money,” he said.
Dizon said investigations are ongoing and that non-bailable cases would continue to be filed against those found to be involved in corruption. He said the department plans to file cases with the Ombudsman on a weekly basis.
“We will not stop in the coming days and weeks from filing cases with the Ombudsman,” Dizon said.
He also assured that the provisions on performance bonds, warranties and securities would be enforced to ensure projects are completed properly and fully according to their contracts.
