The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) have signed a landmark agreement establishing a mechanism for the permanent cancellation of professional licenses for DPWH employees found guilty of involvement in substandard or “ghost” infrastructure projects.
This crucial inter-agency partnership is in direct compliance with the directive of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to ensure that all projects implemented across the nation are legitimate, of high quality, and beneficial to the Filipino people. The agreement provides a strong, non-negotiable layer of professional accountability for engineers and other licensed professionals within the department.
Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon emphasized the dual purpose of the initiative during the signing ceremony with PRC Chair Charito Zamora.
“DPWH and PRC really need to have a deep working relationship so that those involved in the anomaly are not only held accountable, but also to prevent it from happening again in the years to come,” said Secretary Dizon. “It’s not just about accountability, but it’s also about safeguarding the institutions and the projects that DPWH is doing from now moving forward.”
In demonstrating the immediate necessity of this strengthened commitment, Secretary Dizon formally requested the PRC to utilize its authority to permanently revoke the professional licenses of former DPWH District Engineer Henry Alcantara and other DPWH personnel recently implicated in anomalous flood control projects in Bulacan.
The agreement signifies a major step toward eradicating corruption within the infrastructure sector and bolstering public trust in the quality and integrity of government projects.
