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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider District engineer slots filled on qualifications, not congressional pressure—DPWH

District engineer slots filled on qualifications, not congressional pressure—DPWH

Published Aug 27, 2025 03:44 pm
Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Manuel M. Bonoan (Photo: DPWH)
Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Manuel M. Bonoan (Photo: DPWH)
While congressional pressure may be considered, the appointment of district engineers is ultimately based on professional qualifications and merit, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) said on Wednesday, Aug. 27.
DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan said the agency follows a formal process in which a committee “stringently looks into” applicants’ qualifications.
He added that he is reviewing the reinstatement of a three-year rotation policy to prevent corruption and ensure accountability.
Bonoan issued the statement after Sen. Panfilo Lacson alleged that “most” district engineers were lobbied by congressmen, noting that engineering districts often overlap with legislative districts, giving legislators perceived influence.
“I cannot discount the fact that such cooperation exists,” Bonoan said, “but congressmen’s wishes are not a principal consideration for the posting of the district engineers.”
He reiterated that he serves at the pleasure of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and assured the public that investigations into flagged projects are ongoing, including alleged corruption in flood control and other infrastructure initiatives.
The secretary vowed to file cases against officials involved in the so-called “ghost” flood control projects in Bulacan and confirmed that personnel in Bulacan’s first district had been removed after the discovery of non-existent projects.
Bonoan also addressed the alleged bribery attempt by Batangas First District Engineer Abelardo Calalo, who was arrested for allegedly offering P3.1 million to Rep. Leandro Leviste to block inquiries into flood control anomalies.
“We will do it as expeditiously as we can,” he said, adding that Calalo has been suspended for 90 days to secure documents while administrative cases are being filed against him.

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