Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon has ordered Central Visayas Regional Director Danilo Villa and ROWALD Chief Brando Raya to explain allegations of lavish lifestyles and involvement in substandard infrastructure projects, part of a crackdown on corruption and mismanagement, the agency announced Wednesday.
Villa and Raya are among 10 DPWH officials issued show cause orders for alleged violations, including substandard projects and living beyond their means as public servants.
The orders mandate written explanations within five days, with potential administrative charges pending investigation outcomes.
“These officials must account for their actions,” Dizon said. “We are committed to cleaning up the DPWH and ensuring public funds are used responsibly.”
The probe follows a Commission on Audit (COA) report flagging multiple DPWH projects, particularly in Mimaropa, for using subpar materials, leading to rapid deterioration and wasted funds.
Former Mimaropa Regional Director Gerald Pacanan, also under scrutiny, oversaw river embankments and drainage systems criticized for frequent failures during monsoons.
The DPWH has long faced criticism for poorly designed or incomplete flood mitigation projects.
Other officials named include NCR Regional Director Gerard Opulencia, cited for a lavish lifestyle, and CAR Regional Director Khadaffy Tanggol, accused of tampering with documents.
Former Las Piñas-Muntinlupa District Engineer Isabelo Baleros, Pampanga First District Engineer Almer Miranda, La Union District Engineer Gil Lorenzo, Quezon City First District Engineer Arturo Gonzales Jr., and Quezon City Second District Engineer Johnny Protesta Jr. face allegations tied to substandard projects.
Dizon urged officials to cooperate, citing dismissed DPWH Bulacan engineers Henry Alcantara, Brice Hernandez, and Jaypee Mendoza, who admitted to kickback schemes after initial denials. “Don’t wait to be caught,” Dizon said. “Come forward now and tell the truth.”
Officials who cooperate will be referred to the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) for questioning.
The DPWH will submit its findings to the ICI.