At A Glance
- DPWH Undersecretary Arrey Perez resigns amid allegations linking him to flood control contractors.
- Perez stepped down to prevent being a distraction during ongoing investigations.
- DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon assured the inquiry will be conducted independently and transparently.
- Officials and contractors found violating rules will be held accountable to safeguard public funds.
Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Undersecretary Arrey Perez (Photo courtesy of DPWH Facebook page)
Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Undersecretary Arrey Perez, whose appointment was questioned by a lawmaker from Batangas over alleged links to contractors, has tendered his resignation, it was revealed on Friday, Oct. 17.
Perez voluntarily stepped down to avoid becoming a distraction while investigations into the alleged connections continue, DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon said.
Dizon assured the public that the inquiry will proceed independently and transparently.
He added that the review aligns with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to enforce a strict “cleansing process” within the department that spares no one, maintaining the integrity of the investigation.
The resignation followed accusations by Batangas 1st district Rep. Leandro Legarda Leviste, who claimed certain DPWH officials, including Perez, had links to questionable contractors handling flood control projects.
Dizon challenged lawmakers to provide concrete names of the officials allegedly involved, saying the department is ready to cooperate with a thorough review.
“Perez is no longer part of the department after voluntarily resigning, and we respect his decision, as he chose to step aside to ensure the ongoing investigation remains focused and impartial,” he said in a press briefing.
He added that DPWH is committed to responsible governance, ensuring all inquiries are conducted without bias or interference, and that the department’s processes remain credible and transparent to the public.
DPWH has faced public scrutiny over flood control initiatives in critical areas, with billions of pesos allocated to address recurring flooding.
The DPWH chief also reiterated that officials and contractors found violating rules will be held accountable, safeguarding public funds and ensuring that flood control projects are implemented efficiently and achieve their intended purpose.