Philippines DPWH sacks four officials over graft and extortion

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has removed four officials in Davao City and Cebu following investigations into corruption and extortion. DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon announced the immediate relief of three officials in Davao City—former District Engineer Richard Ragasa, Assistant District Engineer Lilibeth Sarmiento, and Construction Chief Roberto Mamaril—following National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) recommendations regarding anomalous flood control projects involving Genesis88 Construction Inc.

Additionally, Renato Catingub, the construction chief for the DPWH 4th Engineering District in Cebu, was dismissed following reports of extortion from contractors. Secretary Dizon emphasized the agency is enforcing a ‘one-strike policy,’ stating that any personnel subject to anomaly reports or legal charges will be automatically removed from their posts. Dizon indicated that further dismissals of regional and district officials may follow as investigations continue.