The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has formally requested the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) to revoke the professional licenses of 20 engineers, accountants, and architects allegedly involved in anomalous flood-control projects in Bulacan.
In a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signing, Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon said among those facing possible license cancellation are former DPWH officials from the Bulacan 1st District Engineering Office, including dismissed Engineers Henry Alcantara, Brice Hernandez, Jaypee Mendoza, and Paul Jayson Duya.
“Kailangan may accountability hindi lang accountability ng mga contractor pero accountability ng mga official and employees ng DPWH kasi lahat ng profession mayroon yan code of ethics, code of conduct and clearly ang mga ginawa na ito is a clear violation of those ethical standard and code of conduct dahil pagnanakaw ito. Kasabwat sila sa pagnanakaw ng pera ng tao at kailangan managot sila doon," Dizon said.
“It’s not just about accountability, but it’s also about safeguarding the institutions and the projects that DPWH is doing from now moving forward,” he added.
The request comes after the DPWH filed its first case with the Office of the Ombudsman against the 20 engineers linked to the flood-control projects. Dizon noted that this is only the beginning, with more cases expected to be filed by the Independent Commission on Infrastructure.
DPWH also signed an agreement with the PRC to strengthen information sharing and impose stricter sanctions against employees proven to be involved in professional misconduct, including ghost and substandard infrastructure projects.
The DPWH also submitted evidence to the PRC seeking the revocation of licenses of the accused engineers, including a district cashier who is a certified public accountant. Once revoked, these professionals would be permanently barred from practicing their respective fields.
Dizon stressed that the agreement is vital in holding accountable those involved in anomalous projects and in preventing similar irregularities in the future.
“Kailangan magkaroon talaga ng malalim na working relationship ang DPWH at PRC para hindi lang mapanagot ang involved dito sa anomalya [substandard at flood control projects], para mapigilan pa na maulit ito sa mga susunod na tao,” Dizon said during the agreement signing.
PRC Chairperson Charito Zamora affirmed the commission’s commitment to impose permanent license cancellations for those found guilty of engaging in substandard or ghost projects.
"Hindi na po sila makakapagpractice ng kanilang profession once mrevoke po ang knilang mg lisensya. Ibig sbaihin , kapag sila ay nagpractice despite the revocation of their license at tinuloy ang pagiging inhenyero nila…illegal practice na po iyon," said Zamora.
The agreement was signed in line with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to hold accountable those implicated in anomalous projects within the agency.
