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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider DPWH reassigns officials amid probe into flood control projects

DPWH reassigns officials amid probe into flood control projects

Published Aug 30, 2025 04:15 pm

At A Glance

  • The reshuffle involves positions in Bicol region, Batangas, MImaropa and Cagayan Valley Region
DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan announces the reassignment of officials in Region 4B and Batangas over irregular flood control projects in a message on August 30, 2025 (Screenshot from Bonoan’s video message)
DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan announces the reassignment of officials in Region 4B and Batangas over irregular flood control projects in a message on August 30, 2025 (Screenshot from Bonoan’s video message)
The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has reassigned key officials in Region 4B and Batangas amid the ongoing investigation into the revelations made by President Marcos in relation to flood control projects.
DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan, in a video message on Saturday, August 30, said the reshuffle covered the regional director of Region 4B, or Mimaropa (Mindoro Occidental, Mindoro Oriental, Marinduque, Romblon and Palawan); assistant district engineers, and section chiefs of the Batangas 1st District Engineering Office.
The revamp also includes positions in Bicol Region and Cagayan Valley region.
“We want to hold accountable those who must be held accountable, to imprison those who must be imprisoned. In fact, we have already taken several actions to address these issues,” he said.
In the separate orders published in its official website, Vivian G. Biaco was named officer-in-charge of the District Engineer’s Office in Catanduanes, Region V, replacing Simon N. Arias.
In Albay, Leonardo B. Gonzales was reassigned as Assistant District Engineer for Albay 2nd District, replacing Joanne T. Morales who was named Assistant District Engineer of 3rd District. The two officials actually swapped positions.
Editha R. Babaran, on the other hand, was designated Officer-in-Charge of the Regional Director’s Office for Region IV-B, replacing Gerald A. Pacanan, who was reassigned to the central office.
Meanwhile, Ronalyn P. Ubiña took over as Officer-in-Charge, Assistant Regional Director for Region II. She replaced Babaran.
“These assignments are part of the department’s ongoing organizational adjustments meant to ensure impartiality and effectiveness in project delivery,” the DPWH said.
The DPWH, however, emphasized that the changes are routine measures to sustain operational stability.
Recent months have seen the agency under public scrutiny amid issues involving flood control projects and infrastructure quality. Officials said the reassignments will help maintain oversight and reinforce the agency’s credibility in meeting its mandate.
Bonoan, for his part, emphasized that the department is pursuing firm action against those involved.
He noted that preventive suspensions were earlier imposed on officials of the Bulacan First District Engineering Office and on the Batangas 1st District Engineer, who was accused of attempting to bribe Batangas 1st District Rep. Leandro Leviste.
The agency has also formed an Anti-Corruption Task Force to encourage the public to report questionable projects and is currently validating the existence of flood control projects in Bulacan and in Regions 3, 4B, 6, 7, and 8.
Responding to calls for his resignation, Bonoan said stepping down is not the proper way to address corruption within the agency.
“To resign or turn my back on the problem would be the easy thing to do, but leaving or avoiding responsibility is not the right solution,” he said.
“As for me, I will accept accountability, but I will not tolerate or allow any kind of corruption to occur,” Bonoan added.
President Marcos, in his State of the Nation Address last July, warned government personnel who steal public funds that they will face legal consequences.
Malacañang said the President has also ordered lifestyle checks on DPWH officials as part of the ongoing probe into anomalous projects.

Related Tags

DPWH Manuel Bonoan Region 4B Batangas flood control projects corruption
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