By el Amigo
MANILA — Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon has removed the district engineer of the DPWH Camarines Sur 1st District Engineering Office after a vehicular accident at an active road construction site raised concerns over compliance with road safety standards.
The decision, contained in a memorandum issued on Aug. 5, came after an initial review found that the construction area along Andaya Highway in Barangay Magais, Del Gallego, allegedly lacked the necessary warning signs and traffic control devices. Three individuals were injured in the July 29 crash.
The relieved official, Ramon Anselmo Calagos, was instructed to report to the DPWH Regional Office in Bicol while completing the inventory and turnover of all official records, pending transactions, and government assets under his responsibility.
During an inspection of flood control works in Naga City on Thursday alongside Mayor Leni Robredo, Dizon said accountability is essential in ensuring the safety of the public and preventing similar incidents.
He said contractors who fail to comply with prescribed safety requirements would also face sanctions, noting that ignoring safety protocols can put lives at risk and cannot be tolerated.
Dizon added that the relief order is separate from any administrative or legal actions that may later be filed against those responsible for the incident.
The DPWH chief has likewise directed an investigation to determine whether additional officials or project personnel should be held accountable.
He reiterated his directive to all DPWH offices and contractors nationwide to strictly implement road safety measures in all ongoing infrastructure projects to safeguard the public.
elamigo/xf
