World · Philippines Bureau
New DPWH chief moves swiftly to purge corruption from agency
Public Works Secretary Giovanni Lopez has launched an immediate crackdown on misconduct, relieving four district engineers accused of graft and document falsification. The personnel moves mark Lopez's opening salvo in cleaning up the scandal-plagued infrastructure department.
LSN Philippines ·
MANILA — Newly appointed Public Works and Highways Secretary Giovanni Lopez has initiated a sweeping cleanup of the department's ranks, removing four district engineers from their positions on allegations of corruption and submission of fraudulent documents for infrastructure projects.
Lopez's moves, announced Monday, targeted officials accused of submitting false supporting materials for projects slated for inclusion in the department's development pipeline. The action signals the incoming secretary's determination to root out misconduct within the sprawling agency responsible for the nation's roads, bridges, and public infrastructure.
The relief of the district engineers represents Lopez's first major personnel action since assuming the helm of the DPWH. The department has faced recurring scrutiny over project irregularities, cost overruns, and allegations of corruption among mid-level officials.
The four engineers were removed from their posts effective immediately, with investigations into their conduct to proceed through appropriate administrative channels. Lopez's office has not released the names of the affected officials or additional details regarding specific allegations.
The personnel changes come as the DPWH faces mounting pressure to improve project delivery standards and strengthen internal accountability mechanisms. Lopez's early intervention signals a commitment to institutional reform and restoring public confidence in the agency's operations.