MANILA—Malacañang warned newly hired and promoted employees of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) not to engage in any form of corruption or anomalous transactions as the agency prepares to fill nearly 2,000 vacant positions.

During a Palace press briefing, Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon is set to dismiss several officials and employees over corruption issues in flood control and other infrastructure projects.

“Dahil nga sabi ni Sec. Vince (Dizon) ay maraming matatanggal at dahil dito, warning na po ito sa mga papasok,” Castro said.

She reminded DPWH personnel that integrity and adherence to the law are essential in public service.

“Dapat kayo ay maging matino, dapat kayo ay may integridad, at dapat talaga tumugon kayo kung ano ang naaayon sa batas at kung ano ang maitutulong sa taumbayan,” she said.

Earlier that day, during the DPWH’s flag-raising ceremony, Dizon announced plans to fill almost 2,000 vacant positions through the promotion of qualified personnel. He said the agency will prioritize contractual or “job order” employees who have served for many years.

The Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI), created by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., is currently investigating alleged irregularities in DPWH flood control and other infrastructure projects to determine accountability.

Following Marcos’ directive, government agencies have also taken steps to recover embezzled public funds, resulting in the freezing of bank accounts and properties of individuals implicated in the anomalous transactions.