GENERAL SANTOS CITY — Calls for accountability are growing within the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) after General Santos City Lone District Rep. Shirlyn Bañas-Nograles urged Secretary Vince Dizon to replace District Engineer Jonathan Bantug over alleged inefficiency and irregularities in local project implementation.

In an interview with DAILY TRIBUNE, Nograles expressed frustration over what she described as poor leadership and questionable handling of public infrastructure projects under Bantug’s watch.

“I am unhappy. First, look at what he has done to our congressional office. He did not make any turnover for it, and it is very clear in the POW that it is intended for a DTI Building and the congressional office,” she said.

Nograles also cited a halted barangay project in Dadiangas South, allegedly due to the engineer’s fear of political interference. “I just don’t know why he is so afraid of the mayor,” she added.

To address these concerns, the lawmaker said her office has formed a project monitoring team to assess ongoing and completed DPWH projects in the city. The team’s findings will be submitted to the DPWH First Engineering District, with copies furnished to Secretary Dizon and President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.

She also vowed to review projects implemented under her predecessor and ensure that any anomalies are exposed.

“If there are irregularities, we will not let them pass. Public funds must be accounted for,” Nograles stressed.

As of press time, Engineer Bantug has yet to respond to the allegations or the call for his removal.