DPWH Suspends Engineer Over Bribery Allegations
Public Works Secretary Manuel Bonoan has ordered the suspension of Batangas 1st District Engineer Abelardo Calalo following allegations of an attempted bribe. The suspension underscores the department’s commitment to transparency and accountability amid accusations linked to flood-control projects.
According to officials, Calalo reportedly tried to offer Batangas 1st District Representative Leandro Leviste a bribe exceeding P3 million to halt an investigation into suspected irregularities involving infrastructure projects in the district. This incident has triggered swift administrative and legal actions.
Suspension Order and Due Process
Secretary Bonoan confirmed that the suspension order was issued directly from the Central Office and will take effect as soon as it is received by the concerned party. He emphasized that the suspension is part of due process and will remain active throughout the ongoing investigation.
Expressing disappointment, Bonoan warned other district engineers against similar misconduct, stating, “To those who are still doing things like this, think twice. I will not have any second thoughts—I will remove all of you if I hear of this happening again.” This firm stance highlights the department’s zero-tolerance policy toward corruption.
Legal Actions and Corruption Charges
Leviste confirmed that a formal complaint against Calalo will be filed with the Batangas Provincial Prosecutor’s Office. He stressed the importance of eradicating corruption within the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to ensure better project quality and cost efficiency.
“We should not tolerate any corruption in DPWH. We should demand projects of better quality and lower cost, and obligate contractors to correct any deficiencies immediately without additional cost to government. Beyond this case, we will push for broader reforms to address systemic problems of DPWH,” Leviste said in a statement released on social media.
Entrapment Operation and Arrest
Authorities in Calabarzon reported that Calalo was apprehended in an entrapment operation conducted in Taal, Batangas, on August 22. The suspect is now under police custody and faces charges for violating Article 212 of the Revised Penal Code concerning corruption of public officials, as well as Republic Act No. 3019, the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.
Ongoing Investigations Into DPWH Anomalies
This case is not isolated. Recently, Secretary Bonoan announced the relief of all 10 officials from the 1st District Engineering Office in Bulacan pending investigation into alleged “ghost projects.” These actions reflect intensified efforts to clean up the DPWH and restore public trust.
Community leaders and officials alike have urged continued vigilance and stricter reforms to prevent systemic corruption and ensure that public infrastructure projects serve the Filipino people efficiently and ethically.
For more news and updates on DPWH corruption cases, visit Filipinokami.com.
