LAS Piñas Lone District Rep. Mark Anthony Santos has called on the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to immediately implement a one-strike policy against personnel—particularly district engineers—found involved in corruption or irregularities within their jurisdiction.
Santos underscored the need for decisive and swift action to restore public trust and ensure that infrastructure funds are spent properly and transparently for the benefit of communities.
“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.
“DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan must adopt a zero-tolerance approach, and that starts with immediately removing officials involved in anomalies.” Bonoan has earlier indicated openness to taking a leave of absence if necessary, following Rep. Albee Benitez’s call amid the audit of the ₱200-billion flood control project.
Recently, Santos urged the DPWH to replace Las Piñas–Muntinlupa District Engineer Isabelo Baleros over alleged questionable transactions, including the unauthorized transfer of funds for flood control projects.
According to Santos, Baleros reportedly requested that project funds intended for Las Piñas be moved from his district office to the DPWH National Capital Region office—without prior consultation with local officials.
Santos pointed to past DPWH actions as precedent for swift disciplinary measures. In January 2021, 14 district engineers were relieved from their posts over alleged corruption.
In 2018, then-DPWH Secretary and now Senator Mark Villar issued a memorandum removing a district engineer in Abra who was caught on video allegedly transacting anomalously with a contractor.
As chairman of the Senate Committee on Public Works and Highways, Sen. Villar should immediately initiate an inquiry following his colleague Sen. Ping Lacson’s revelation that more than ₱2 trillion has been allocated for flood control projects—including drainage and desilting works—over the past 15 years.
“These cases show that the DPWH has both the authority and the precedent to act decisively. It’s time to institutionalize a strict, one-strike policy that reinforces accountability across all regional and district offices,” Santos said.
The neophyte lawmaker also suggested transferring or placing under floating status any district engineer found involved in corruption, ghost projects, bribery from contractors, and other anomalies.
Santos, who has been closely monitoring infrastructure projects in Las Piñas, has consistently raised concerns over 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 added. He noted that similar measures have been successfully implemented in other government agencies.
Five years ago, the Philippine National Police adopted a one-strike policy in its intensified campaign against illegal gambling, immediately relieving station commanders who failed to act against such activities in their areas.
The same policy applied to chiefs of police whose subordinates were caught or charged for involvement in illegal drugs.
