By Ferdinand Patinio
MANILA – The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has filed an administrative complaint against the district engineer of Baguio City for allegedly refusing to cooperate in the ongoing investigation into flood control projects.
In a two-page order, DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon also slapped a 30-day preventive suspension against Baguio City District engineer Rene Zarate.
The order said Zarate “refused to cooperate” with the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI), the body President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. formed to investigate flood control projects undertaken within the past 10 years.
“This Office finds that a prima facie case exists against respondent Rene F. Zarate for Gross Neglect of Duty, Conduct Prejudicial to Best Interest of Service, Gross Insubordination, and Violation of Reasonable Office Rules and Regulations under Section 63(A)(1)(h), (2X(a), (f) and (C)(15), respectively, of the 2025 RACCS (Rules on Administrative Cases in the Civil Service),” the order, issued Monday, read.
“Further, pursuant to Section 34 of the 2025 RACCS, and in view of the gravity of the offenses charged, the Respondent is hereby placed, under preventive suspension for a period of thirty (30) days, effective upon receipt hereof,” it added.
Zarate has been given three days to answer the charges.
“Should he fail to submit his answer within the period herein prescribed, the Respondent shall be considered to have waived his rights to submit the same and the case shall be decided based on available records, as provided under Section 31, Rule 6 of the 2025 RACCS,” the order said. (PNA)
