Raps vs. corrupt DPWH officials moving forward despite Ombudsman hurdles — Dizon

Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon emphasized that administrative proceedings against personnel accused of corruption continue to move forward, despite procedural issues raised before the Office of the Ombudsman.

During Monday’s Senate hearing on the DPWH 2026 proposed budget, Dizon said criminal and administrative cases have been filed against 20 officials from the DPWH Bulacan 1st District Engineering Office. These cases stem from a complaint filed by the department on 11 September.

At the hearing, Senator Rodante Marcoleta inquired about the status of the suspended officials.

“On September 19, 2025, by order of then Acting Ombudsman Dante Vargas, 16 of them were placed under suspension. What is their current status?” Marcoleta asked.

Dizon confirmed that 16 officials remain under suspension and are currently facing administrative dismissal proceedings, while four others have already been dismissed from service.

“The 16 are still under suspension, but we have already initiated dismissal proceedings. As for the four… Alcantara, Hernandez, and the two Mendozas... have already been dismissed,” Dizon told Marcoleta in mixed English and Filipino.

However, Marcoleta raised concerns over the validity of the suspensions, citing a September 17 memorandum from then Acting Ombudsman Vargas that removed docket numbers from all cases filed between September 7 and 16, placing them “under evaluation.”

“All criminal or administrative complaints that were filed within 10 days prior to that order, meaning to say magsisimula ng September 7–16, mawawala yung docket number,” the senator said, hinting that the suspensions could lack legal grounding if the cases were reclassified.

Dizon maintained that the DPWH continues to enforce the suspensions while awaiting clarification from the Ombudsman, emphasizing that internal administrative processes are ongoing.

He likewise noted that the department’s internal review remains active and independent of the Ombudsman’s procedural lapses.

The hearing later shifted focus to DPWH Undersecretary for Regional Operations in Luzon Arthur Bisnar, whose background was scrutinized by Marcoleta.

Citing personnel records, Marcoleta questioned Bisnar’s 11-year assignment to the Philippine National Police’s Personnel Holding and Accounting Unit (PHAU)—a unit associated with officers under floating or disciplinary status—from 1998 to 2012.

“Bakit po kayo naka-float nang ganito katagal? More than 11 years… Were you in floating status, sir?” Marcoleta asked.

Bisnar explained that he was detailed to the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Task Force from 1998 to 2002 and later pursued studies in the United States. He clarified that he had been dropped from the PNP rolls in 2003, but the penalty was later modified to a 30-day suspension.

Marcoleta also inquired about Bisnar’s immigration status in the U.S. and cited a 2024 complaint filed against him before the Quezon City Prosecutor’s Office.

Bisnar acknowledged the incidents but said he did not acquire U.S. citizenship and that all past administrative cases had been resolved.

Dizon defended Bisnar, describing him as a man of integrity and discipline with whom he had previously worked at the Department of Transportation (DOTr).

“Former General Bisnar was recommended to me when I was appointed to be the DOTr Secretary in February. And since then, we have worked together very closely. He was head of the Office of Transportation Security, our OTS, and together we were able to really work hand-in-hand to virtually eliminate the problems of laglag-bala and other problems facing our airports,” he noted.

“From what I know of him, he's a man of integrity, he's a man of... even anyone who I talk to in the Philippine National Police speaks very, very highly of General Bisnar. And this is why I invited him to join me in this very, very difficult task of cleaning up the DPWH. But nonetheless, any report such as this, of course, is very important to me personally,” he added.

Dizon also assured lawmakers that all DPWH undersecretaries and assistant secretaries are undergoing independent vetting by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and private sector partners.

“This is something that I do not take lightly. It is very important that we surround ourselves with the right people,” Dizon said, adding that independent vetting remains ongoing.

While Marcoleta noted his continuing reservations about Bisnar’s background, he accepted Dizon’s assurance.

“I am just a little bit wary. I do not judge your discretion in hiring personnel,” Marcoleta said. “Your assurance is very relieving, Mr. Secretary. Good luck, Usec. Bisnar.”

The Undersecretary replied, “Thank you, Mr. Chair.”