Revilla to Ebdane: Sack DPWH NCR director

In the wake of the public outrage over the questionable construction process of the Tullahan "death trap" Bridge, Senator Ramon Revilla Jr. challenged Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Hermogenes Ebdane Jr. to sack DPWH National Capital Region (NCR) Director Josefino Rigor.

The senator stressed Thursday that sacking Rigor would be an authentic proof that the Secretary is serious on curbing corruption in his department.

"I believe Secretary Ebdane would want to erase the public's perception that the DPWH is a corrupt department. However, I am also sure that doubts will be raised on his sincerity if he does not act on this. I am worried that he might be tagged as a coddler if he does not dismiss the NCR director," said Revilla, chairman of the Senate Committee on Public Works.

Revilla expressed dismay over reports that Rigor makes frequently visits to the casino which should be a no entry area for government officials. "If reports are true, Rigor should explain where he gets the money to pay for his playing chips," he said.

He cited anew the latest Social Weather Station (SWS) Business Survey on Corruption ranking DPWH in the second top list on "Very Bad Sincerity" in efforts to curb corruption. DPWH also garnered the second spot in the same category in 2006 and 2005.

Based on the 2007 SWS survey, DPWH got a dismal -55 net sincerity rating in fighting corruption this year, following Bureau of Customs with a -68 net sincerity rating.

Revilla earlier urged Ebdane to axe corrupt officials and employees in the department and assure that no contracts will be awarded to blacklisted contractors.

He pointed out that the negative perception against the DPWH will go away only after an immediate, thorough, and serious cleansing of its ranks.

"Secretary Ebdane must make an example out of Rigor to show that he and the entire department is serious in battling corruption," the senator added.

Last Tuesday, Revilla held an on site inspection of Tullahan Bridge in Valenzuela City after he received information on additional anomalies of the said project,particularly the short depth of its foundations.