Ombudsman suspends five DPWH engineers over Bulacan project irregularities

The Ombudsman's office announced Friday that it has placed five DPWH project engineers under preventive suspension pending completion of its investigation into irregularities surrounding flood control initiatives in Bulacan. The suspended engineers are Irene Ontingco, Kevin Geronimo, John, and two others whose names were not immediately disclosed by the office.

The investigation centers on three flood control projects in the province, though specific details regarding the nature of the alleged anomalies were not immediately provided. The Ombudsman typically orders preventive suspension of government personnel during active probes to preserve the integrity of investigations and prevent potential obstruction.

The suspension represents part of ongoing efforts by the Ombudsman's office to investigate irregularities in public works projects. The DPWH, responsible for infrastructure development nationwide, has faced periodic scrutiny over project implementation and fund management.

The Ombudsman's office has not released a timeline for completion of its investigation into the Bulacan projects. Preventive suspension orders remain in effect pending the conclusion of administrative proceedings or until other disciplinary action is imposed.