Chief Removed Amid Flood-Control Projects Probe
MANILA — The ongoing investigation into the country’s flood-control projects has led to a significant shakeup. The chief of the Las Piñas-Muntinlupa District Engineering Office (LPM DEO) of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) was removed from his position due to alleged questionable transactions involving the transfer of flood-control funds.
Local leaders reported that Engineer Isabelo Baleros, previously heading the LPM DEO, was reassigned to the DPWH Metro Manila 3rd District Engineering Office in the National Capital Region. His replacement as district engineer is Engineer Ruel Umali, according to a memorandum issued by DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan.
Official Reassignment Confirmed by Authorities
Officials confirmed that Baleros’s reassignment was ordered last week. “It’s true. I reassigned Baleros to a different district last week,” a DPWH source said. Meanwhile, Umali has been directed to assume full responsibility as the new district engineer for Las Piñas-Muntinlupa.
“Under and by virtue of this order, Engr. Umali is directed to perform the duties and assume the responsibilities appurtenant to the position of District Engineer,” a statement from a local lawmaker quoted the official memorandum.
Controversy Surrounds Fund Transfers for Flood-Control Projects
Community members noted that the controversy centers on the P140-million C5 Diversion Road project in Barangay Manuyo Dos. This project represents the largest portion of the P450.5-million infrastructure budget allocated for Las Piñas this year.
According to documents cited by local officials, Baleros requested the transfer of the C5 Diversion Road project’s implementation from the district office to the DPWH regional office. This request was made without consulting key stakeholders such as the Office of the Mayor, the congressional representative, the City Engineering Office, or the city council.
Quiet Approval Raises Questions
Sources indicated that the transfer request was quietly approved by DPWH Assistant Secretary for Regional Operations Loreta Malaluan and confirmed by Secretary Bonoan on July 15. The lack of transparency has drawn criticism from local leaders and community advocates.
“I have already asked Engr. Baleros for a written explanation regarding the transfer, but I am yet to receive any response,” a congressional representative overseeing the district said.
Background of the Former District Engineer
Engineer Isabelo Baleros was appointed Officer-in-Charge of the Las Piñas-Muntinlupa District Engineering Office in October 2021 and was formally installed as District Engineer in December 2022. His recent reassignment marks a dramatic turn amid the ongoing flood-control projects inquiry.
For more news and updates on flood-control projects, visit Filipinokami.com.
