Calls to Replace Las Piñas-Muntinlupa District Engineer Intensify
MANILA, Philippines — Lawmakers have urged the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to replace the Las Piñas-Muntinlupa district engineer amid allegations of questionable transactions. The call centers on the alleged improper transfer of flood control funds without the consent of local authorities.
Las Piñas Rep. Mark Anthony Santos raised concerns that district engineer Isabelo Baleros ordered the transfer of project funds from his office to the DPWH’s regional office in the National Capital Region. This transfer reportedly bypassed consultation with local government units, including the mayor’s office, the congressional representative’s office, the city engineering office, and the Sangguniang Panlungsod.
Santos emphasized that moving hundreds of millions of pesos without informing elected city officials is “a glaring act of bypassing local governance” and suggested it reeks of secret dealings. He also questioned the progress of multiple infrastructure projects, including the C5 Diversion Road and 27 other initiatives funded under the 2025 General Appropriations Act, amounting to P450 million.
Concerns Over Project Progress and Fund Management
“The people of Las Piñas are asking: Was there even a single project completed before the funds were shifted? Or is this about moving money to where it can be controlled by a select few?” Santos asked. He stressed that infrastructure funds should protect lives and property, not be quietly shuffled without accountability.
During a House committee hearing on public accounts, Santos reiterated these points in the presence of DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan. According to the lawmaker, the P450 million was indeed transferred to the regional office without proper notification.
In his appeal to Secretary Bonoan, Santos said, “I already wrote a letter to the Secretary, I hope they stop these practices, and that’s the appeal of the President.” He urged the DPWH to stop allowing the district engineer to follow orders from unknown influences and even suggested removing him from office.
DPWH Response and Ongoing Scrutiny of Flood Control Projects
Attempted requests for comment from DPWH officials, including Secretary Bonoan, remained unanswered at the time of reporting. However, during the committee hearing, Bonoan acknowledged Santos’ frustration and promised to seriously consider the lawmakers’ proposals and review ongoing projects.
Infrastructure projects related to flood control are currently under close examination by various government bodies, following President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s recent State of the Nation Address (SONA). The President condemned officials and contractors allegedly profiting from flood control projects, calling for shame on those involved.
This crackdown followed warnings from Senator Panfilo Lacson, who claimed that nearly half of the country’s nearly P2 trillion allocated for flood control since 2011 may have been lost. Lacson’s remarks came amid severe flooding in Metro Manila and nearby provinces triggered by successive cyclones and a strong southwest monsoon.
House Committee Launches Formal Review
The House of Representatives’ committee on public accounts began a formal review of DPWH flood control and drainage projects. This initiative aims to improve transparency and accountability in infrastructure spending.
Secretary Bonoan attended the hearing to address lawmakers’ concerns about project performance, delays, and accountability mechanisms. The ongoing review represents a broader government effort to ensure that public funds are properly managed and that infrastructure projects deliver their intended benefits.
For more news and updates on infrastructure accountability, visit Filipinokami.com.
