LAS Piñas Rep. Mark Anthony Santos expressed appreciation for Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon for finally enforcing the long-awaited one-strike policy against corrupt personnel within the agency, particularly district engineers allegedly involved in irregularities.
“I commend Secretary Dizon for enforcing the one-strike policy. This sends a clear message that corruption—especially among district engineers—will not be tolerated, and that accountability in public works must come first,” Santos said.
Last Friday, Dizon relieved and suspended three personnel from the DPWH Second Engineering District in Pampanga for allegedly demanding “kickbacks” or commissions from project contractors.
The secretary identified them as Ranilo Magtoto, chief of maintenance, and Arnold Domingo and Jefferson Guinto, both assigned to the district’s construction section.
Dizon said the one-strike policy means that once he receives reports of irregularities involving DPWH officials, they will be immediately relieved from their posts pending investigation.
Santos had earlier pushed for the adoption of the policy. In August last year, weeks after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. delivered his “Mahiya naman kayo” State of the Nation Address (SONA), Santos urged then-DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan to implement a similar one-strike rule—like the Philippine National Police (PNP) policy against erring officers—in disciplining corrupt engineers.
According to Santos, the measure is crucial to ensure infrastructure projects are properly built, amid concerns that some flood control projects may have been exploited by corrupt politicians, officials, and contractors.
“Public works projects are vital to national development. We cannot allow corrupt practices to compromise the quality, safety, and integrity of these initiatives,” Santos added.
However, Bonoan did not act on Santos’ proposal to enforce a one-strike policy within the department prior to his resignation in September last year.
“Public works projects are vital to national development. We cannot allow corrupt practices to compromise the quality, safety, and integrity of these initiatives,” Santos said.
The lawmaker said this is not just about his district anymore, rather, it is accountability on a bigger scope since many local government units and national agencies have raised concerns about alleged irregularities in local flood control and road projects.
“This is not just about Las Piñas. It’s about protecting taxpayer money and ensuring quality public service for all,” he noted.
Last August 5, Santos asked the DPWH to replace the district engineer for Las Piñas and Muntinlupa amid alleged involvement in questionable transactions — including a supposed transfer of funds for flood control.
Santos was referring to district engineer Isabelo Baleros, who allegedly asked that funds for several projects in Las Piñas be transferred from his district office to the DPWH’s regional office in the National Capital Region, without first consulting local officials.
