2 DPWH officials relieved over cyclist’s fatal accident

MANILA, Philippines — Two officials of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in the Cordilleras have been relieved from their posts in connection with the fatal accident of a cyclist in La Trinidad, Benguet.

The relief of Isagani Cayme and Marjory Banao of the Benguet first district engineering office came after the cyclist fell from a collapsed section of a road in Barangay Beckel, according to DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon.

Reports said there were no sufficient road safety signages and traffic control devices including concrete barriers installed in the area.

Dizon blamed negligence on the part of the officials, noting that public safety should not be compromised during road repair and construction activities.

He warned contractors handling DPWH projects of automatic cancellation of contracts, blacklisting and possible criminal charges should they fail to comply with mandatory safety requirements at construction sites.