Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Undersecretary Arrey Perez parts ways with the agency after being linked to flood control contractors, Secretary Vince Dizon announced Friday.

“I immediately spoke to Usec. Arrey Perez, who was named by Representative [Leandro] Leviste. I said, we will investigate this because the President has repeatedly instructed us that the DPWH needs to be cleaned up,” Dizon announced in a press conference.

Dizon detailed that Perez took the initiative and tendered his resignation. “He voluntarily resigned, and we respect his decision,” he said.

On Thursday, Batangas 1st District Representative Leandro Leviste tagged Perez as one of the DPWH officials who have suspicious links with contractors.

Leviste also claimed that Perez will be tasked to handle procurement or bidding for major projects at the DPWH Central Office.

Despite the resignation, Dizon clarified that Perez will still undergo an investigation.

Dizon also left a message to DPWH officials, “We have nothing to worry about here, if you are good, honest, hardworking, you have nothing to worry about; if you were the opposite then... maybe now, you believe I am serious, there is nothing to be ashamed of here,” he remarked.

He reiterated that their effort is built on ‘facts and transparency’ to continue their mission of cleaning the agency.

“We cannot clean up the DPWH, be held accountable if the basis is speculation,” Dizon added.