The STAR learned that DPWH Undersecretary Edmund Mir went on terminal leave on Dec. 27, the last working day of 2001.
The 64-year old official was not due to retire until December this year, or when he reaches the compulsory retirement age of 65.
The STAR, however, could not reach Mir for comment on the reasons why he opted for early retirement.
Mir, along with DPWH Undersecretary for Administration Mabini Pablo, were among 20 officials and employees suspended and charged with plunder before the Ombudsman last year in the anomalous repairs of some 500 service vehicles of the department.
The DPWH audit department has estimated the costs have reached P140 million which covered a one year disbursement spree in 2001.
The Commission on Audit (COA), however, estimated the spurious and exorbitant vehicle repair costs could reach as much as P182 million.
After serving a two-month suspension, Mir and Pablo were reinstated by Executive Secretary Alberto Romulo in October last year after both DPWH officials claimed they cannot be directly blamed for any corruption or anomaly involving personnel under them.
Notwithstanding their reinstatement, it was gathered that both officials are still included in the investigation being conducted by the Ombudsman.
Sources disclosed their reinstatement was met with preconditions. The DPWH has also formulated new administrative rules and tighter supervision to prevent a repetition of the scam.
Other DPWH officials told The STAR that Mir merely availed himself of early retirement benefits. Another official said Mir became upset after he was not able to regain his administrative and supervisory functions following his reinstatement.