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Manila, Philippines - A district engineer from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is facing suspension following his arrest for allegedly attempting to bribe a Batangas congressman with a substantial sum of ₱3.126 million. The incident, which has sent ripples through the local government and construction sectors, raises serious questions about corruption within public works projects.

The engineer, whose name is being withheld pending further investigation, was apprehended during what authorities are describing as a sting operation. Reports indicate that the congressman, who was not named to protect his privacy, reported the attempted bribe to the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI). The alleged offer of ₱3.126 million was purportedly linked to securing favorable consideration for a specific DPWH project in Batangas.

“We take allegations of corruption very seriously,” stated a spokesperson for the DPWH. “The Department has a zero-tolerance policy for bribery and any form of unethical conduct. We are fully cooperating with the NBI in their investigation and will take appropriate action based on the findings.”

The NBI has confirmed the arrest and stated that the engineer is currently in custody and facing charges related to bribery and corruption. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are exploring the possibility of other individuals being involved in the scheme. The congressman involved has expressed his gratitude to the NBI for their swift action and reiterated his commitment to upholding ethical standards in public service.

This incident comes at a time when transparency and accountability in government spending are under increased scrutiny. Public works projects, in particular, are often vulnerable to corruption due to the large sums of money involved and the complex nature of the bidding and contracting processes. The DPWH has recently implemented several measures aimed at improving transparency and preventing corruption, including stricter bidding guidelines and increased oversight of project implementation.

The suspension of the engineer is a temporary measure pending the outcome of the investigation. If found guilty, he could face criminal charges and significant penalties, including imprisonment and permanent disqualification from government service. The case is expected to draw significant public attention and could lead to further investigations into other DPWH projects in the region.

The Batangas provincial government has released a statement condemning the alleged actions and expressing their commitment to ensuring that all public works projects are implemented with integrity and transparency. They have pledged to fully cooperate with the authorities in their investigation and to take necessary steps to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. This case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance and accountability in maintaining public trust.

The NBI is urging anyone with information related to this case to come forward and assist with the investigation. They assure that all information will be treated with the strictest confidentiality.

Stay tuned for updates as this story develops.