The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has ordered former DPWH Mimaropa Regional Director Gerald Pacanan to explain his alleged involvement in substandard infrastructure projects, in the ongoing crackdown on corruption and mismanagement within the agency, DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon announced Wednesday, September 24, 2025.

Pacanan is among 10 DPWH officials issued show cause orders for alleged violations ranging from substandard projects to lavish lifestyles inconsistent with their public service roles.

The orders require officials to submit written explanations within five days, with potential administrative charges pending investigation outcomes.

“These officials must account for their actions,” Dizon said. “We are committed to cleaning up the DPWH and ensuring public funds are used responsibly.”

Pacanan oversaw several infrastructure projects, including river embankments and drainage systems, criticized for poor quality and frequent failures during monsoon seasons.

A recent audit by the Commission on Audit (COA) flagged several Mimaropa projects under Pacanan’s tenure for using subpar materials, leading to rapid deterioration and wasted public funds.

The DPWH has faced long-standing criticism for poorly designed or incomplete flood mitigation projects.

Other officials named in the probe include NCR Regional Director Gerard Opulencia and Central Visayas Regional Director Danilo Villa, both cited for lavish lifestyles, and Central Visayas ROWALD Chief Brando Raya, linked to Villa.

CAR Regional Director Khadaffy Tanggol faces allegations of tampering with documents, while former Las Piñas-Muntinlupa District Engineer Isabelo Baleros, Pampanga First District Engineer Almer Miranda, La Union District Engineer Gil Lorenzo, Quezon City First District Engineer Arturo Gonzales Jr., and Quezon City Second District Engineer Johnny Protesta Jr. are also under scrutiny for substandard projects.

Dizon urged officials to come forward voluntarily, warning against following the example of dismissed DPWH Bulacan engineers Henry Alcantara, Brice Hernandez, and Jaypee Mendoza, who admitted to kickback schemes after initial denials.

“Don’t wait to be caught,” Dizon said. “Come forward now and tell the truth.”

Officials who cooperate will be referred to the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) for questioning.

The DPWH will submit its findings to the ICI.