Department of Public Works and Highways Secretary Vince Dizon on Friday ordered the immediate relief and suspension of several officials from the Pampanga 2nd District Engineering Office, citing what he described as a strict “one-strike policy” against corruption inside the agency.
Dizon said he acted after receiving reports that district officials were allegedly demanding kickbacks of up to eight percent from project contractors. Speaking on the sidelines of an inspection of the collapsed dike in Barangay Candating, Arayat, he identified three officials whom he said were involved in the alleged extortion.
“Effective today, they are relieved and suspended,” Dizon said, adding that a full investigation has been ordered to verify the reports that the officials were asking for commissions in connection with government projects.
The public works chief said the move reflects his policy of immediately removing officials once credible reports of irregularities reach his office, even before the conclusion of a formal probe. Under the policy, officials are taken out of their posts at the first sign of serious misconduct, with criminal and administrative cases to follow if the allegations are proven.
“They will be investigated, and if the accusations are substantiated, they will be charged,” Dizon said.
The action comes as the Department of Public Works and Highways faces scrutiny over the collapse of the Candating flood control dike, which the agency earlier attributed to faulty structural foundations. Earlier this week, DPWH announced a full overhaul of the flood control project following the failure.
Dizon said the one-strike approach is meant to send a clear signal to DPWH personnel that corruption complaints will trigger swift action, particularly in infrastructure projects tied to public safety.
