DPWH-7 chief axed in major shakeup

Local

CHANGES are sweeping through the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) as several regional and district officials have been relieved of their posts, including Central Visayas Director Danilo J. Villa.

DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon announced the moves on Monday, Jan. 13, citing ongoing investigations within the agency.

Aside from Villa, Ronnel M. Tan of Region 1, Jovel G. Mendoza of Region 4A, Virgilio C. Eduarte of Region 5, and Danilo J. Villa of Region 7, were also relieved as regional chiefs of the controversial agency.

Two assistant regional directors, including Neil C. Farala of Region 4B and Annie S. Dela Vega of Region 5, were also relieved of their posts.

Two district engineers based in Metro Manila were likewise removed: Ruel V. Umali of the 3rd District Engineering Office and Manny B. Bulusan of the South Manila District Engineering Office.

In a brief phone interview on Monday, Villa said he would comply with the secretary’s directive.

“Okay lang, let us obey first kung ano po yong instruction. The secretary has the wisdom and authority po kung ano ang tingin niya na makakabuti sa departamento natin,” Villa said.

When asked about his fate following the secretary’s pronouncement, Villa declined to comment.

Three officers-in-charge district engineers were also removed for failing to meet Civil Service Commission requirements.

These include Sherylann Gonzales of La Union 1st District Engineering Office, Roy Pacanan of Iloilo City District Engineering Office, and Peter Scheller Soco of Leyte 4th District Engineering Office.

Dizon explained that the officials were relieved “for various reasons—specifically because there are ongoing investigations here which I cannot fully disclose. Suffice it to say, we are investigating a lot of people in the department.”

He added that the DPWH will release stricter merit-based requirements for all officials in the coming weeks.

“Gagawin nating mas matibay, mas malakas ang requirements at qualifications para sa mga opisyales ng department,” Dizon said.

Previous reports show that in August 2025, Villa assured the public that there were no ghost projects in Central Visayas, saying all infrastructure works were properly monitored and documented and that projects followed the required phases and budgetary processes.

The statement was made during the early stages of a nationwide inquiry into alleged ghost projects.

In September 2025, Villa was among the officials subjected to a lifestyle check ordered by the DPWH.

The review covered alleged lavish lifestyles and the quality of implemented projects.

During that period, the National Bureau of Investigation–Central Visayas inspected at least 15 flood control projects, with initial findings pointing to some substandard work.

Governor Pamela Baricuatro supported the lifestyle check and urged investigators to include flood control projects in the province.

Dizon said show-cause orders have already been issued to officials under investigation. If evidence is established, the cases will be forwarded to the Independent Commission for Infrastructure, the Department of Justice, and the Anti-Money Laundering Council for possible criminal charges.

The department said it is moving to strengthen oversight and enforce stricter standards for its officials.(MyTVCebu)