By Betheena Kae Unite
A district engineer and four other personnel of the Department of Public Works and Highways – Pasig (DPWH) were suspended by Public Works Secretary Mark Villar for allegedly accepting a P4-million bribe from a contractor to make sure he gets the project.
(MANILA BULLETIN)
Presidential Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC) Commissioner Greco Belgica identified the officials as District Engineer Roberto Nicholas, Engineer Melody Dominguez, Tess Orquia, Engineer Luisito Ponancio and Vilma Gomez.
Belgica said the "standard operating procedure has been a long-term practice in the DPWH and is known to be an open secret to the public."
The modus of the group, Belgica said is to collect bribe money which they call "standard operating procedure" from a contractor "so they can be guaranteed a win in the bidding and secure the corresponding project."
The case stemmed from an anonymous report and a video showing the illegal transaction that as sent to his office.
"The video clearly shows the asset conversing with DPWH Pasig personnel Vilma Gomez (who was already a retired officer) and Tess Orquia while they were receiving bundles of cash that amounted to P4 million as payment for the said SOP at the DPWH Pasig Office under the supervision of District Engineer Nicholas," Belgica said.
Belgica said the President has seen the video that recorded the illegal transaction. Belgica recommended to the President the suspension of the group pending investigation and was approved.
A lifestyle check will be conducted against the erring DPWH employees which will be submitted to the DPWH and Ombudsman for the filing of appropriate administrative and criminal charges.
(MANILA BULLETIN)
Presidential Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC) Commissioner Greco Belgica identified the officials as District Engineer Roberto Nicholas, Engineer Melody Dominguez, Tess Orquia, Engineer Luisito Ponancio and Vilma Gomez.
Belgica said the "standard operating procedure has been a long-term practice in the DPWH and is known to be an open secret to the public."
The modus of the group, Belgica said is to collect bribe money which they call "standard operating procedure" from a contractor "so they can be guaranteed a win in the bidding and secure the corresponding project."
The case stemmed from an anonymous report and a video showing the illegal transaction that as sent to his office.
"The video clearly shows the asset conversing with DPWH Pasig personnel Vilma Gomez (who was already a retired officer) and Tess Orquia while they were receiving bundles of cash that amounted to P4 million as payment for the said SOP at the DPWH Pasig Office under the supervision of District Engineer Nicholas," Belgica said.
Belgica said the President has seen the video that recorded the illegal transaction. Belgica recommended to the President the suspension of the group pending investigation and was approved.
A lifestyle check will be conducted against the erring DPWH employees which will be submitted to the DPWH and Ombudsman for the filing of appropriate administrative and criminal charges.