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Advocates Philippines
DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon Takes Action On Corrupt Officials
Screengrab from DPWH
MANILA, Philippines – In a major move to combat corruption within the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Secretary Vince Dizon announced during a press conference on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, that several officials are being investigated for corruption and lavish lifestyles.
Officials Under Investigation
Secretary Dizon publicly presented a list of DPWH regional directors and district engineers who have been issued "show cause orders." The officials are under scrutiny for a range of offenses, including living beyond their means and approving substandard projects. The list includes:
• RD Gerard Opulencia, NCR: For his alleged lavish lifestyle.
• RD Danilo Villa, Region VII: Also for a lavish lifestyle.
• Dir. Gerald Pacanan: The former RD of IV-B, for his alleged involvement in substandard projects.
• RD Khadaffy Tanggol, CAR: For allegedly failing to cooperate with an ongoing investigation.
• Atty. Brando Raya, ROWALD Chief, Region VII: For his alleged lavish lifestyle.
• DE Isabelo Baleros: The former DE of Las Pinas-Muntinlupa DEO, for allegedly approving substandard projects.
• DE Almer Miranda, Pampanga 1st DEO: For his alleged involvement in substandard projects.
• DE Gil B. Lorenzo, La Union DEO: For a substandard project.
• DE Arturo L. Gonzales, Jr., Quezon City 1st DEO: For a substandard project.
• DE Johnny L. Protesta, Jr., Quezon City 2nd DEO: For a substandard project.
Freezing of Assets
In addition to the internal investigation, the DPWH has requested the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) to freeze assets worth PHP474,483,120.00. These assets, which are primarily vehicles, belong to DPWH officials and private companies that are linked to anomalous flood control projects. Secretary Dizon stated that the freezing of these assets is part of a broader effort to recover public funds and hold those responsible for the misuse of government resources accountable.
The Secretary’s announcements highlight a firm and proactive stance against corruption, signaling a new era of accountability and transparency within the department.
Officials Under Investigation
Secretary Dizon publicly presented a list of DPWH regional directors and district engineers who have been issued "show cause orders." The officials are under scrutiny for a range of offenses, including living beyond their means and approving substandard projects. The list includes:
• RD Gerard Opulencia, NCR: For his alleged lavish lifestyle.
• RD Danilo Villa, Region VII: Also for a lavish lifestyle.
• Dir. Gerald Pacanan: The former RD of IV-B, for his alleged involvement in substandard projects.
• RD Khadaffy Tanggol, CAR: For allegedly failing to cooperate with an ongoing investigation.
• Atty. Brando Raya, ROWALD Chief, Region VII: For his alleged lavish lifestyle.
• DE Isabelo Baleros: The former DE of Las Pinas-Muntinlupa DEO, for allegedly approving substandard projects.
• DE Almer Miranda, Pampanga 1st DEO: For his alleged involvement in substandard projects.
• DE Gil B. Lorenzo, La Union DEO: For a substandard project.
• DE Arturo L. Gonzales, Jr., Quezon City 1st DEO: For a substandard project.
• DE Johnny L. Protesta, Jr., Quezon City 2nd DEO: For a substandard project.
Freezing of Assets
In addition to the internal investigation, the DPWH has requested the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) to freeze assets worth PHP474,483,120.00. These assets, which are primarily vehicles, belong to DPWH officials and private companies that are linked to anomalous flood control projects. Secretary Dizon stated that the freezing of these assets is part of a broader effort to recover public funds and hold those responsible for the misuse of government resources accountable.
The Secretary’s announcements highlight a firm and proactive stance against corruption, signaling a new era of accountability and transparency within the department.
Sep 24, 2025
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