100 projects under 1 inspector: Ex-DPWH-Mimaropa engineer flags large DPWH inspector workload

MANILA — Former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) engineer Felisardo Casuno took the stand on Tuesday as the Sandiganbayan Sixth Division held its trial on the malversation case against him, former lawmaker Zaldy Co, and others in connection with supposed irregularities in a P289-million road dike project in Naujan, Oriental Mindoro.

In his testimony, Casuno said that only a single DPWH project inspector was assigned to 100 projects in Mindoro island.

He said that because of multiple projects and tasks, inspectors are not able to go out of their offices. He added that inspectors also take on tasks as technical staff of various divisions.

Casuno named six other inspectors who fall under this category.

Based on DPWH Department Order No. 115, Series of 2018, project inspectors are supposed to witness critical activities of a project, as well as conduct and monitor daily activities including weather conditions.

Previously, Casuno’s counsel had argued that they are trying to prove Casuno’s multiple functions as the project engineer, materials engineer and Engineer 3 made it “quite impossible for him to closely monitor each and every project assigned to him”.

The next hearing, initially scheduled for Thursday, has been cancelled as the next intended witness is not available.