Independent Commission Condemns Alleged Document Tampering by DPWH in Flood Control Probe

The Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) has strongly condemned reports that personnel from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) have allegedly tampered with and destroyed official records related to questionable flood control projects.\n\nIn an official statement, ICI Chairman retired Justice Andres Reyes emphasized that such misconduct represents not only a serious obstruction of justice but also a violation of the public’s right to transparency and accountability.\n\n"The deliberate concealment or alteration of records undermines the rule of law and erodes public confidence in government agencies entrusted with protecting public resources," Reyes said.\n\nThe commission highlighted that records concerning public infrastructure projects are considered public property, and any attempts to destroy, falsify, or hide these documents are serious offenses subject to administrative and criminal penalties.\n\nReyes urged DPWH officials and staff to fully cooperate in safeguarding the integrity of all documents and evidence under their control. He affirmed the ICI’s commitment to thoroughly investigate irregularities in flood control projects and ensure that those responsible face appropriate accountability.\n\nWhile the commission did not disclose specifics on the extent of the alleged document destruction, it described the issue as “widespread.”\n\nIn response, Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon confirmed receiving reports of suspected document tampering at the Baguio City District Engineering Office.\n\n"Upon learning of these reports, we acted swiftly," Dizon stated. "I have already issued formal charges against Rene Zarate, the district engineer of Baguio City, along with a 90-day preventive suspension order."\n\nDizon further directed all DPWH offices—from central and regional to district levels—to preserve and submit all documents related to flood control and other infrastructure projects from the past decade to the ICI. He warned that denying compliance would result in similar disciplinary measures as those issued against Zarate.\n\nThis development underscores escalating efforts to enforce transparency and accountability within Philippine public infrastructure agencies amid ongoing investigations into flood control projects.