MANILA, Philippines — Department Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vivencio Dizon suspended and filed administrative charges against Baguio City District Engineer Rene Zarate after receiving information of alleged tampering of DPWH projects-related documents.
In a two-page order, dated Sept. 22, 2025, Dizon slapped Zarate with a 30-day preventive suspension, effective immediately, for his refusal to cooperate with his Sept. 18 order, directing all DPWH personnel, from the central office down to the district engineering offices, to fully cooperate and submit all documents pertaining to infrastructure projects to the Independent Commission on Infrastructure (ICI ).
Dizon said a prima facie case was established against Zarate, who has 15 days to respond to the allegations in compliance with Civil Service rules.
“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 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.
