DPWH dismisses 3 execs over anomalous flood control projects

Department of Public Works and Highways Secretary Vince Dizon dismissed Bulacan assistant district engineer Brice Hernandez, construction division chief Jaypee Mendoza, and chief accountant Juanito Mendoza for administrative offenses including grave misconduct, gross neglect of duty, disloyalty, and conduct prejudicial to the interest of service.

They are also perpetually disqualified from public office, with forfeiture of retirement benefits and cancellation of civil service eligibility.

These dismissals are related to anomalous flood control projects in Baliwag and Plaridel under the Bulacan 1st District Engineering Office.

Former DPWH-Bulacan district engineer Henry Alcantara was previously dismissed on September 4.

Hernandez and the two Mendozas are facing criminal complaints filed with the Office of the Ombudsman for malversation through falsification of public documents, violation of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, and violation of the Government Procurement Act.

Four contractors have been blacklisted and are implicated in a graft complaint.

The DPWH intends to file additional cases next week against officials and contractors linked to alleged ghost and substandard flood control projects in Mindoro.

During a House hearing, Hernandez presented photos he said showed stacks of cash allegedly distributed as kickbacks by Alcantara.