AT least ten officials from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) 1st District Engineering Office in Bulacan have been relieved from their positions pending an investigation into alleged “ghost projects” in the province, according to Public Works Secretary Manuel Bonoan.
The move follows reports of non-existent projects in several districts, which Bonoan confirmed during a Senate Blue Ribbon Committee hearing earlier this week.
“I relieved all of them. I think they’re now in the regional office, so they’re not functioning anymore in their district engineering office,” Bonoan stated in a radio interview. The relief encompasses all officials within the 1st Engineering District of Bulacan, totaling approximately ten individuals.
Among those relieved are former district engineer Henry Alcantara and the newly appointed district engineer, Brice Hernandez.
Alcantara had previously been recommended for the position of assistant regional director of DPWH Region 4-A.
“I have to recall his assignment and put him on a floating status for the time being,” Bonoan added, indicating the seriousness with which the department is treating the allegations. The investigation aims to uncover the extent of the “ghost projects” and hold those responsible accountable.
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