Perez wanted to insulate DPWH drive vs corruption

MANILA, Philippines — Former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) undersecretary Arrey Perez quit his post to protect efforts by the government to run after people who profited from anomalous flood control projects.

In a statement, Perez said his decision to resign on Friday was brought about by his desire to insulate the DPWH’s fight against corruption.

“I resigned because I know that the malicious insinuations against me will only turn public service into a political game,” he said.

Perez said he will not be used as a pawn by people who are out to discredit him to divert the issue on the flood control scandal.

“Let the fight against corruption continue and let me continue to do my work in it from a position of integrity,” he said.

Perez tendered his irrevocable resignation after Batangas 1st district Rep. Leandro Leviste accused him of having ties with contractors.

DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon lauded Perez’s decision even if Leviste’s allegations were based only on rumors rather than facts or evidence.

He said it is very seldom for people to see a government official who is willing to sacrifice himself for the greater good.

“That is something that is personal to him and I would have to respect that,” Dizon said in an interview aired over Bilyonaryo News Channel on Friday night.

In another interview aired over ABS-CBN News, Dizon said that more officers and personnel in DPWH would be fired soon as the government continues with its probe of anomalous flood control projects.

He said they will file more criminal cases as they are uncovering other information about corruption in flood control projects in the country.

Dizon has so far dismissed engineers Henry Alcantara, Brice Hernandez and Jaypee Mendoza, who were once assigned in the now infamous Bulacan first district engineering office. — Jose Rodel Clapano