DPWH Halts Staff Travel Amid Corruption Probe

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In a decisive move to tackle corruption, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has announced the suspension of all personal foreign travel for its employees until the end of November. This measure, detailed in a memorandum by Secretary Manuel Bonoan dated August 29, will be in effect until November 30 unless circumstances dictate an earlier lift or extension. Exceptions will only be made for urgent medical cases.

The travel ban emerges as the department faces intense scrutiny over alleged corruption in its flood control projects. The DPWH asserts that this step aims to enhance transparency and uphold the integrity of public service during ongoing validations of its projects.

Citing the Civil Service Commission’s regulations, the DPWH clarified that vacation leave and personal travel aren't inherently guaranteed. Organisations have the discretion to regulate foreign travel when public interest or administrative issues necessitate it.

This decision comes on the heels of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s directive. In his State of the Nation Address in July, he instructed the DPWH to compile and disclose a list of all flood control projects initiated or completed in the past three years, allowing citizens to examine them.

Compounding the issue, the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee launched an investigation earlier this month. During the initial hearing, DPWH officials admitted to possible "ghost" projects in Bulacan. Notably, a contractor named Wawao Builders allegedly secured contracts worth P9 billion (approximately 815 billion Thai Baht) in areas like Calumpit, Hagonoy, and Malolos.

Further developments include the arrest of DPWH district engineer Abelardo Calalo on August 22. He is accused of attempting to bribe Representative Leandro Leviste with 3.1 million pesos (about 28.1 million Thai Baht) to halt investigations into the questionable infrastructure projects.

Leviste disclosed that Calalo described a system devoid of genuine competitive bidding, where lawmakers often handpick contractors offering kickbacks, commonly referred to as "SOPs" or standard operating procedures.

These probes have shone a spotlight on potential collusion between DPWH personnel and contractors, intensifying demands for accountability within the department. As the investigation unfolds, the travel suspension reflects the DPWH's commitment to restoring trust and ensuring the responsible use of public resources.

This unfolding saga signals a critical period for the department, with stakeholders eagerly awaiting the outcomes of these investigations. Will these concerted efforts bring about meaningful reform, or will they expose further challenges within the DPWH? Only time will tell.

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from PhilStar 2025-08-29