In a significant move to enforce accountability, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has ordered the relief of eight high-ranking officials from their posts. The action, announced on Monday, January 12, 2026, is pending the outcome of ongoing investigations into the department's operations.
Initial Batch of Officials Relieved
DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon publicly identified the eight officials during a media briefing. The list includes four regional directors, two assistant regional directors, and two district engineers. Secretary Dizon stated that this group represents an initial batch, hinting at broader scrutiny within the agency.
"We are officially relieving them today for various reasons, specifically because there are ongoing investigations here, which I cannot fully disclose," Dizon explained. He emphasized the scope of the probe, adding, "We are investigating a lot of people in the department."
Who Are the Relieved Officials?
The most senior official among those relieved is Danilo Villa, the Regional Director of DPWH in Central Visayas (DPWH 7). The other regional directors ordered relieved are:
- Ronnel M. Tan of the Ilocos Region
- Jovel G. Mendoza of Calabarzon
- Virgilio C. Eduardo of Bicol
Also relieved from their positions were assistant regional directors Neil C. Farala of Mimaropa and Annie S. Dela Vega of Bicol. Furthermore, district engineers Ruel V. Umali of the Metro Manila 3rd District Engineering Office (DEO) and Manny B. Bulusan of the South Manila DEO were included in the order.
Separate Reliefs for Qualification Issues
In a related but separate action, the DPWH also relieved three other officials for failing to meet the qualification standards set by the Civil Service Commission. These officials, who were serving as Officers-in-Charge, are:
- Sherylann Gonzales of the La Union 1st DEO
- Roy Pacanan of the Iloilo City DEO
- Peter Scheller Soco of the Leyte 4th DEO
Dizon to Testify in Graft Case
In a development highlighting the department's active role in pursuing legal accountability, Secretary Dizon announced his upcoming testimony in a high-profile case. He confirmed he will take the stand at the Sandiganbayan trial concerning a flood control case against former lawmaker Zaldy Co, scheduled for January 20, 2026.
"I will testify in the case in Oriental Mindoro of former Cong. Zaldy Co," Dizon stated. He signaled that this is part of a larger pattern, noting, "Since I am the complainant in many of these cases, you will see me testifying in many cases in the coming weeks and months. It is part of the process of holding those who should be held accountable."
The simultaneous relief of multiple officials and the Secretary's personal involvement in court proceedings underscore a robust drive within the DPWH to address internal issues and cooperate with the justice system. These actions signal a period of intense scrutiny and reform for the key infrastructure agency.
