In a bid to ensure transparency and integrity, Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon has asked the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and other business groups to conduct an independent vetting and background check of DPWH officials.
The separate letters were sent on Wednesday to NBI Director Jaime Santiago, Institute of Corporate Directors Chairperson Benedicta Baladad, Management Association of the Philippines President Alfredo Panlilio, and Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Consul Enunina Mangio. ‘What the President always says is to cleanse and not come in defense of DPWH. This is included in the reform and cleansing that our officials should be incorruptible and sincere in their service to the Filipino people,’ Dizon said in a statement on Thursday.
The 14 DPWH officials are:
Senior Undersecretary Emil K. Sadain
Undersecretary Arthur V. Bisnar
Undersecretary Ador G. Canlas
Undersecretary Nicasio A. Conti
Undersecretary Charles T. Calima
Undersecretary Samuel Rufino J. Turgano
Undersecretary Ricardo P. Bernabe III
OIC-Undersecretary Lara Marisse I. Esquibil
Assistant Secretary Nerie D. Bueno
Assistant Secretary Medmier G. Malig
Assistant Secretary Michael S. Vilalfranca
Assistant Secretary Constante A. Llanes Jr.
Assistant Secretary Michelle S. De Vera
Assistant Secretary Suzanne Marie R. LiwanagEsquibil was the newly appointed officer-in-charge for operations, overseeing Convergence Projects and Technical Services. Her appointment came after DPWH Undersecretary Arrey Perez resigned from the post last October 17, barely a month after he was appointed to the position.
Perez resigned after he was linked by Batangas Representative Leandro Leviste to flood control contractors. Dizon earlier said that Perez submitted his irrevocable resignation to give way to investigation and to prevent being a ‘distraction’ to the agency.