Malacañang on Monday issued a stern warning to incoming and newly promoted employees of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to avoid engaging in any anomalous transactions.
In a press briefing, Presidential Communications Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Atty. Claire Castro emphasized that the government will not tolerate any form of anomalous activity, especially among those set to fill nearly 2,000 vacant positions at the DPWH.
She also urged employees to uphold integrity and steer clear of corruption as the agency undergoes a sweeping internal reform.
“Dahil nga sabi ni Sec. Vince [Dizon], ay maraming matatanggal at dahil dito, warning na po ito sa mga papasok (Sec. Vince earlier said many will be ousted; this should be a warning for new employees),” said Castro, referencing DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon’s aggressive stance against corruption within the agency.
During the DPWH’s Monday flag ceremony, Dizon announced that a significant reshuffle within the agency is underway. Longtime contractual or job order workers will be prioritized for permanent positions, he said.
However, Dizon also made clear that the reshuffle comes amid a crackdown on irregularities, particularly in flood control and other infrastructure projects.
The Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI), formed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., is currently investigating these anomalous projects.
In response to the Commission’s early findings, several officials are already facing administrative and legal action. The government has also moved to freeze bank assets and seize properties linked to those implicated.
“Dapat kayo ay maging matino, dapat kayo ay may integridad, at dapat talaga tumugon kayo kung ano ang naaayon sa batas at kung ano ang maitutulong sa taumbayan (You should be upright, have integrity, and respond according to the law and what benefits the public),” Castro told DPWH personnel, stressing that civil servants must act as stewards of public trust.
Castro noted that the President’s anti-corruption push is part of the government’s broader agenda to restore public confidence and ensure that infrastructure spending directly benefits communities rather than lining the pockets of a few.