Revilla calls for mass revamp in DPWH

Sen. Ramon Revilla called yesterday for a massive revamp in the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to weed out inept and corrupt officials.

Revilla said the recent reshuffle implemented by DPWH Secretary Simeon Datumanong was "half-baked" and could not possibly cleanse the agency which has been perennially tagged as one of the five most corrupt government agencies.

"Although Datumanong’s intent is laudable and a step in the right direction, his recent action will fall short of what is expected unless he follows through with a top-to-bottom revamp," Revilla said.

The senator stressed Datumanong should also immediately place under investigation all officials reportedly involved in graft and corruption, "especially those whose lifestyle and ostentatious display of wealth is disproportionate to their income."

In a letter to the DPWH secretary, Revilla took note of the overstaying officials in the department who seemed unaffected by Datumanong’s move.

Revilla said overstaying district engineers, regional directors, directors of project management offices and other top level officials were not only violating existing department orders but are already "holding hostage" the DPWH with their own rules.

According to existing DPWH administrative rules, district engineers, regional directors and top level managers must be rotated every three years in order to avoid fraternization between officials and contractors.

"Familiarity in this case, often breeds corruption to the detriment of public service. It is questionable that some district engineers have reportedly been clinging to their posts for more than five years and seem to be untouched by Datumanong’s revamp," Revilla said.

The senator warned Datumanong against being lenient on officials whose names have been dragged into controversies involving corruption and other irregularities.

Revilla pointed out that DPWH officials who are getting a monthly salary of P25,000 to P30,000 should explain how they can afford to acquire luxury cars and elegant mansions.