DPWH execs told: Work with LGUs

Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Undersecretary Teodoro Encarnacion yesterday ordered Pio Pre Jr., officer-in-charge of the First Metro Manila Engineering District, and other DPWH officials to comply with the requirements of local government units before any project is implemented.

"We have to tighten coordination between the DPWH and local government units especially in the implementation of projects funded by the national government to avoid any duplication or overlapping thereby preventing costly demolition in the course of faulty implementation," Encarnacion said.

In a meeting held at the DPWH office recently, Taguig Mayor Freddie Tiñga raised concerns against the plan to disregard legal procedures in First Metro’s implementation of infrastructure projects of Taguig-Pateros Rep. Alan Cayetano.

"We do not wish to delay national government projects. However, proper coordination with the local government is necessary for a smooth and effective implementation. If we stick to the right process, nothing will go wrong," Tiñga said.

After seeing photographs of the project sites, Encarnacion warned DPWH officials, particularly Pre, to strictly follow the rules and procedures in implementing national government projects.

Antonio Sta. Elena, DPWH-NCR Regional Director, reiterated that, "any structure to be built in a locality would have to secure permits from the local government as early as the programming state. Disregarding these rules is an invasion of the jurisdiction of the LGUs."

He added that it would be best for Pre to advise Cayetano on these procedures. DPWH Assistant Secretary Salvador Pleyto stressed that a project cannot be started without clearing ownership of the site.

Encarnacion and Pleyto agreed to send a memorandum to all their officials on adherence to proper procedures in the implementation of infrastructure projects.