No DPWH relief project – Singson

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Public Works and Highways yesterday warned construction firms against unscrupulous individuals posing as DPWH officials and soliciting donations for a supposed relief project in Maguindanao.

DPWH Secretary Rogelio Singson said he received reports that a man posing as Undersecretary Alfredo Tolentino has been calling heads of construction firms to solicit sacks of rice and money.

Singson said the man claimed the solicitations were for a supposed joint relief operation of the DPWH, Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

Tolentino, head of the DPWH Special Projects, has denied involvement in such activity.

Singson said DPWH regional and district heads also received calls from two persons who asked money for a relief operation for the agency. The men identified themselves as DPWH Bureau of Maintenance director Jun Gregorio and Undersecretary Ardeliza Medenilla.

He said the DPWH and DSWD have a program providing employment opportunities for beneficiaries of the Conditional Cash Transfer program, but not a relief project.