By Ferdinand Patinio

MANILA – The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) will temporarily suspend the approval of travel abroad applications for three months, amid an ongoing investigation involving its personnel.

In a memorandum issued on Friday, Secretary Manuel Bonoan ordered the temporary suspension of applications for Authority to Travel Abroad for personal reasons. 

However, exempted from the order are those with urgent medical reasons. 

“Temporary suspension of applications for authority to travel abroad for personal reasons in light of the ongoing validation of DPWH projects and in line with our commitment to transparency, accountability, and public service integrity, approval of all applications for Authority to Travel abroad for Personal Reasons are hereby temporarily suspended except for personal travel for urgent medical reasons, effective immediately until the end of November 2025 or unless circumstances warrant earlier lifting of the suspension or further extension,” the order read. 

This is consistent with the Civil Service Commission’s Omnibus Rules on Leave and relevant issuances, it added. 

The order was issued amid the investigation being conducted by lawmakers in connection with the controversial flood control projects. 

Earlier, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. directed the DPWH to submit a list of ongoing and completed flood control projects since 2022. 

The directive stemmed from the Chief Executive’s visit of a flood control project in Oriental Mindoro where he discovered that the undertaking was substandard. 

Meanwhile, the Congressional Infrastructure Committee (INFRACOM) tasked to probe into the controversial flood control projects said it will not spare any issue or personality. 

According to House of Representatives (HOR) spokesperson, lawmaker Princess Abante, the INFRACOM will determine the projects and individuals involved in both executive and legislative, substantiated with appropriate proof and pieces of evidence.      

Speaking at the MACHRA Balitaan mounted by the Manila City Hall Reporters’ Association (MACHRA) and held at the Harbor View Restaurant, she said that the INFRACOM is there to address all blanket accusations.

“You can’t just accuse; there must be proof. That’s where INFRACOM comes in,” she said. 

Abante added that should any congressman be found to be involved in a certain project in a questionable manner, the INFRACOM is open to creating an independent body to investigate to avoid any bias for those implicated.

She also assured that there are mechanisms in place to ensure discipline among erring members, if any. 

At the same time, the House spokesperson noted that, according to INFRACOM chair Rep. Terry Ridon, Baguio Mayor Benjamin Magalong would be given the chance to present proof to back his claims of corruption, but that would be done under oath.  (PNA)