Three officials from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) second engineering district in Pampanga have been relieved of their duties for allegedly demanding up to eight percent commissions from government contracts. Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon announced the move during an inspection of the Candating flood control project in Arayat. A full investigation will determine if the allegations hold true.
On January 31, 2026, Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon announced the relief of three DPWH officials from their positions in Pampanga's second engineering district. They are Ranilo Magtoto, chief of maintenance, along with Arnold Domingo and Jefferson Guinto from the district's construction section.
"They have been relieved and suspended, and we will conduct a full-blown investigation to determine whether the report I received – that they were asking for a percentage from project funds – is true," Dizon told reporters in Filipino. The tip came from an unidentified source, the secretary noted.
Should evidence confirm their involvement in corruption, criminal charges will follow, akin to the graft and malversation cases pending against former Bulacan first district engineers Brice Hernandez and Jaypee Mendoza at the Sandiganbayan.
During the same visit to the flood control project, Dizon highlighted the need for a retention basin to shield the collapsed river dike in Barangay Candating from strong water currents. Authorities are also evaluating options to relocate nearby residents for their safety.
