Las Pinas-Muntinlupa DPWH district engineer axed

MANILA, Philippines — Secretary Manuel Bonoan of the Department of Public Works and Highways has “reassigned” district engineer Isabelo Baleros of Muntinlupa City and Las Piñas to the DPWH Metro Manila third district engineering office amid graft allegations.

Ruel Umali will replace Baleros as chief of the Las Piñas–Muntinlupa District Engineering Office.

“Under and by virtue of this order, engineer Umali is directed to perform the duties and assume the responsibilities appurtenant to the position of District Engineer,” read the memorandum order signed by Bonoan.

The move came just two weeks after Las Piñas Rep. Mark Anthony Santos urged Bonoan to remove Baleros over his alleged involvement in questionable transactions, including a controversial transfer of flood control funds.

Bonoan has vowed to hold accountable DPWH officers and personnel found responsible for substandard or “ghost” flood control projects, stressing that appropriate criminal charges will be filed.

Magalong invited to House hearing

Meanwhile, House Deputy Speaker and Zambales 1st district Rep. Jay Khonghun called on Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong to appear before the House of Representatives and present proof of his allegations on flood control anomalies.

“We will only take him seriously if his allegations on flood control anomalies are placed on the record, supported by documents and tested under questioning. That means naming names in the hearing, submitting contracts and fund flows, and swearing to the facts so accountability can follow,” he said.

Khonghun said institutional scrutiny works best when those who speak out are ready to testify under oath and submit primary records that can be independently verified, adding that the process is designed to protect whistleblowers and the innocent alike.

According to Khonghun, the pieces of evidence – if there are any – should be able to “withstand cross-examination,” especially since the “public deserves the truth anchored on evidence, not broad claims that leave everyone guessing.”

“If Mayor Magalong believes public funds were misused, he should help us prove it in the committee. Bring the project lists, procurement papers and disbursement records. Put the facts under oath so we can separate rumor from wrongdoing and act on the evidence,” he noted.

“If he chooses to testify, we will give him the space and the time to present. The same standard will apply to everyone named. Evidence first, conclusions later,” Khonghun said. “If the evidence identifies wrongdoing, consequences will follow. If a member is implicated, the institution will not shield anyone.”

‘Enlist Filipino scientists’

Meanwhile, Sen. Bam Aquino is calling on the government to enlist Filipino scientists in designing flood control strategies, warning that billions of pesos are being poured into projects that fail to address the root causes of flooding.

Aquino, chair of the Senate committee on science and technology and vice chair of the finance panel, said the country can no longer afford to rely on questionable infrastructure projects that often end up ineffective – or tainted by corruption.

“It’s time to use a different strategy. Let’s tap our world-class Filipino scientists and other experts in preventing flooding. They have a lot to contribute in resolving this matter,” he said.

Instead of funding projects with little to no impact, Aquino urged that resources be rechanneled toward climate-resilient infrastructure, mangrove reforestation, watershed rehabilitation and better urban planning.

The senator has filed a resolution seeking a review of how the DPWH and other agencies spent the P360-billion flood control budget in the 2025 national spending law.

He noted that despite P1.47 trillion allocated to flood control from 2009 to 2024, Filipinos continue to grapple with poor drainage, outdated pumping stations, and a lack of community-based flood management.

People’s participation

While expressing full support for the creation of an independent fact-finding body to look into the flood control anomalies, labor coalition NAGKAISA also sought representation in the investigation.

“People’s participation is imperative. Thus, the coalition also underscored that labor representatives must be included in the independent fact-finding body, ensuring that workers’ perspectives are at the table in demanding transparency and accountability,” NAGKAISA chair Sonny Matula said.

Matula said the fact-finding body must be patterned after historic truth commissions like the Agrava Commission on Ninoy Aquino’s assassination, the Davide Commission on coup attempts, and the Melo Commission on extrajudicial killings.

“Such a body can ensure impartiality, credibility, and transparency in uncovering the truth behind the scandal,” he said.

Since crimes have already been committed, Matula said the Department of Justice, National Bureau of Investigation and Criminal Investigation and Detection Group must not wait for the independent body to be created and must immediately begin parallel investigations to prevent further misuse of public funds. — Neil Jayson Servallos, Mayen Jaymalin