Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon has relieved the Maintenance Chief of the Las Piñas–Muntinlupa District Engineering Office (LPMDEO) after citing repeated reports of unsatisfactory performance, lack of urgency, and delayed response during calamities, as parts of Metro Manila continue to experience flooding caused by heavy rains.
In a memorandum dated August 29, Dizon ordered the immediate relief of Engr. Loreto C. Balena Jr. from his post as LPMDEO Maintenance Chief. The order stated, “In view of repeated reports concerning your unsatisfactory performance, lack of urgency and delayed response to calamities, you are hereby relieved of your duties as Maintenance Chief of the Las Piñas-Muntinlupa District Engineering Office, effective immediately.”
The action comes after Las Piñas and nearby areas experienced flooding during recent periods of intense rainfall. Several areas in the city were affected by rising floodwaters, including Zapote Junction, where authorities deployed flood mitigation equipment to help manage water levels and restore mobility in affected areas.
The flooding concerns in Las Piñas have placed attention on the urgency of government response efforts, particularly for agencies tasked with maintaining infrastructure and supporting disaster operations.
The issue also comes amid broader public scrutiny over the scale of government spending for flood mitigation projects. Reports cited around ₱2.2 billion allocated for 39 flood control projects in Las Piñas from 2022 to 2025, with questions continuing to focus on the effectiveness and implementation of flood protection measures in communities repeatedly affected by flooding.
The concerns have also drawn attention to the wider national flood control program during former House Speaker Martin Romualdez’s tenure. From 2022 to 2025, the government’s total national investment tied to flood control efforts reached around ₱1.13 trillion, covering the DPWH Flood Management Program, additional infrastructure releases, unprogrammed appropriations, and related agency funds.
Earlier this month, President Bongbong Marcos inspected DPWH flood control operations in Las Piñas, including activities along the Alido River and Zapote River under the agency’s Oplan Kontra Baha program. The inspection focused on improving flood mitigation measures and addressing long-standing concerns affecting communities in flood-prone areas.
Dizon has repeatedly stressed the need for faster action from government agencies in addressing flooding concerns. He said the President’s directive requires agencies to take “mabilisang aksiyon” and strengthen coordination in responding to flood situations.
Following the relief order, Balena was instructed to complete turnover procedures, including the inventory of office properties, completion of pending documents and deliverables, and transfer of official records and government assets under his custody.
The Department of Public Works and Highways said the move follows President Marcos’ directive to strengthen accountability within the agency and ensure that personnel perform their responsibilities effectively.
