In a significant move to uphold accountability, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has relieved eight of its local officials from their posts. The action, announced by Secretary Vince Dizon on Monday, January 12, 2026, comes as the department conducts internal investigations.
Initial Batch of Officials Relieved
Secretary Dizon confirmed that the relieved officials include four regional directors, two assistant regional directors, and two district engineers. The officials ordered relieved are Regional Directors Ronnel M. Tan (Region 1), Jovel G. Mendoza (Region 4A), Virgilio C. Eduardo (Region 5), and Danilo J. Villa (Region 7). Also relieved were Assistant Regional Directors Neil C. Farala (Region 4-B) and Annie S. Dela Vega (Region 5), along with District Engineers Ruel V. Umali of the Metro Manila 3rd District Engineering Office and Manny B. Bulusan of the South Manila DEO.
"We are officially relieving today for various reasons specifically because there are ongoing investigations here, which I cannot fully disclose to you, but suffice it to say we are investigating a lot of people in the department," Dizon stated during a media briefing. He emphasized that this group represents the initial batch of officials facing such administrative actions.
Three More Officials Relieved for Qualification Issues
In a separate but related administrative action, the DPWH also relieved three local officials for failing to meet the qualifications set by the Civil Service Commission. Those relieved are Officers-in-Charge Sherylann Gonzales of the La Union 1st DEO, Roy Pacanan of the Iloilo City DEO, and Peter Scheller Soco of the Leyte 4th DEO. This underscores the department's parallel focus on ensuring its personnel meet mandated civil service standards.
Secretary Dizon Set to Testify in Sandiganbayan
In a related development, Secretary Dizon revealed he will appear as a witness in an upcoming trial at the Sandiganbayan. He is scheduled to testify on January 20, 2026, in the flood control case against former lawmaker Zaldy Co in Oriental Mindoro.
"I don’t know what the rules of the Sandiganbayan, if it is open. I’m not sure, I’m just announcing to you that I will testify in the case," Dizon said. He further indicated that his court appearances may become more frequent, stating, "Since I am the complainant in many of these cases, you will see me testifying in many cases in the coming weeks, months, it is part of the process of holding those who should be held accountable."
These simultaneous actions—the relief of officials and the Secretary's planned court testimony—signal a robust effort by the DPWH leadership to address integrity and accountability issues within the department and related external cases.
