THE Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has requested the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) to freeze approximately P500 million worth of luxury vehicles registered under the names of 26 public works officials, employees, and contractors linked to the ongoing investigation into anomalous flood control projects.
In addition to the AMLC request, Public Works Secretary Vicencio Dizon issued show cause orders to 10 regional directors and district engineers, demanding explanations for their alleged lavish lifestyles and involvement in substandard projects.
The total estimated value of the luxury vehicles owned by the 26 individuals is P474,483,120. Contractor Cezarah Rowen Cruz Discaya of Alpha & Omega General Contractor and Development Corporation leads the list with P216,166,000 worth of luxury cars, followed by her husband, Pacifico, with P59,085,800.
Former Bulacan First Engineering District Officer (EDO) Henry C. Alcantara, former Bulacan assistant engineers Brice Ericson Hernandez, and Jaypee Mendoza are also among those with significant luxury vehicle holdings. Brice Hernandez recently surrendered a black GMC Yukon Denali SUV worth P12 million and is expected to turn over a Ferrari and Lamborghini.
The show cause orders for alleged lavish lifestyles were issued to DPWH National Capital Region Director Gerard Opulencia, Region VII Director Danila Villa, and lawyer Brando Raya, chief of the Right-of-Way Acquisition and Legal Division (ROWALD) for Region VII.
Show cause orders for substandard projects were issued to former DPWH Region IV-B Director Gerald Pacanan, former Las Pinas-Muntinlupa District Engineer Isabelo Baleros, Pampanga District Engineer Almer Miranda, La Union District Engineer Gil Lorenzo, Quezon City First District Engineer Arturo Gonzalez, Quezon City Second District Engineer Johnny Protesta, Jr., and Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) Director Khadaffy Tanggol for failure to cooperate with the ongoing investigation.
