November 13, 2025 | 10:11am
MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) on Thursday, November 13, confirmed the death of Larry Reyes, a local agency executive who was the chair of the Bids and Awards Committee of the Sorsogon First District Engineering Office.
Reports of Reyes’ death initially circulated on social media, with some netizens finding the death suspicious amid the flood control corruption controversy.
In a statement, the DPWH confirmed the death but declined to share more details.
“While there is much speculation and unverified reports on social media regarding his circumstances, Engr. Reyes’ family has requested the public and media for privacy and necessary space to grieve his deep loss away from public scrutiny, especially during this difficult time,” the agency said in a statement.
“This is a profoundly private and personal matter and not related to any of the agency’s issues,” they added.
The DPWH said that it mourned the passing of the engineer but urged everyone to allow the family some privacy.
The corruption scandal at the DPWH has rocked the country to its core, prompting calls for reform and accountability.
DPWH officials and lawmakers have allegedly colluded to facilitate a multi-billion-peso kickback scheme. Legislators allegedly inserted large sums of money into flood control projects and would later receive a portion.
Some of the high-profile names that were tagged in the mess are resigned lawmaker Zaldy Co, as well as Sens. Jinggyo Estrada, Joel Villanueva and former Senate president Chiz Escudero.