DPWH chief asked to probe alleged anomalies in Catanduanes Engineering District
A RETIRED official of the Department of Public Works and Highways in Region 5 appealed to DPWH Secretary Manuel D. Bonoan to order an investigation into alleged anomalous transactions happening in the DPWH District Office of Catanduanes.
Attorney Oliver Rodolfo, retired chief of the Legal Division of the DPWH Region 5, urged Bonoan to look into the alleged rig bidding practice, favoritism in project awarding, illegal promotion and appointment of DPWH personnel in the District Office.
Rodolfo said that he already wrote to Bonoan in July 2022 about the road concreting project in Bgy. Capilihan in Virac town. He said the road was found to have lots of defects.
The former DPWH official said that he sent photos to support his allegations and he is still awaiting for action or response.
According to him, since the construction firm involved in the project is owned by an influential politician, there is no penalty such as termination of contract, black listing, or negative slippage that has been imposed.
Rodolfo also urged the DPWH secretary to investigate a possible collusion with the Central Office.
Meanwhile, engineer Denis Cagomoc, Officer-in-Charge of the Catanduanes District Engineering Office, said there is no favoritism in the grant of contract.
“BAC (Bids and Awards Committee) denies this because there is no evidence or document to prove that there was bid switching to give favor to anyone,” said Cagomoc.
As for the issue of Capilihan road, he said action has been taken and the contractor has been told to repeat the work.
