30 DPWH cases now under investigation

Around 30 cases involving the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) are now under preliminary investigation as the government prepares to file charges in relation to anomalies in flood control projects.

- By LOUELLA DESIDERIO and DAPHNE GALVEZ

Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla made the announcement in his speech at the Ease of Doing Business Convention yesterday.

“The DPWH is a problem in itself right now and we are getting all the information, we're processing the data and we're filing the cases,” he said.

“Around 30 cases are under preliminary investigation already. And we expect more to come,” he said.

Remulla said the Office of the Ombudsman is well-prepared to handle cases and can hire people, if necessary.

“The Office of Ombudsman has 1,400 people right now. But our criteria allows us to have 2,000 people. And if we have to hire 600 more to finish all these cases, we will,” he said.

When it comes to addressing corruption, he said action is also needed on agencies handling government revenue such as the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) and the Bureau of Customs.

“Everybody knows they’re corrupt, but nobody has done anything about it,” he said.

At the same event, the Office of the Ombudsman signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) to curb corruption and red tape.

Under the MOA, the ARTA will assist the Office of the Ombudsman in the investigation of alleged red-tape related infractions and corruption by public officials and public servants.

The aim is to have expeditious and efficient resolution of cases.

Remulla said the partnership enables the parties to share critical data to trace the patterns and symptoms of bureaucratic abuse.

He also said the partnership is a vital initiative in the fight for better public service.