Ombudsman suspends 8 DPWH personnel amid probe into alleged anomalous projects in Surigao del Norte
MANILA — The Office of the Ombudsman has preventively suspended eight Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) personnel amid the anti-graft body’s investigation into alleged anomalies in flood control projects in Surigao del Norte.
In a statement on Wednesday, the Ombudsman said seven DPWH engineers and one accountant were suspended without pay for up to six months, pending the resolution of the cases, namely:
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DPWH-Davao Region District Engineer Region Annie Dela Vega
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DPWH-Surigao del Norte 1st District Engineer Federico Gotico III
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DPWH-Surigao del Norte 1st District Engineer Demilyn Castrence
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DPWH-Surigao del Norte 1st District Engineer Quintinano Armendariz Jr.
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DPWH-Surigao del Norte 1st District Engineer Edward Tinio
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DPWH-Surigao del Norte 1st District Engineer and Quality Assurance acting chief Florencio Sulana
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DPWH-Surigao del Norte 1st District Engineer Ricky Arciga
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DPWH-Surigao del Norte 1st District accountant Jerome Sulapas
They are facing cases of conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service, grave misconduct, and serious dishonesty.
The complaint of the Ombudsman’s Field Investigation Office noted that the DPWH fully paid the “substantially incomplete” projects to the government’s detriment.
“Sufficient grounds exist to impose preventive suspension on Respondents,” the Ombudsman said, citing the order.
“Without delving into the merits of the case and based on the evidence submitted by Complainant, the allegations against Respondents appear to be supported by strong evidence at this stage,” it stated.
The Independent Commission for Infrastructure previously submitted as evidence the list of reportedly completed DPWH projects in the area, alleging that there are incomplete deliveries.