Baguio city: The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has filed an administrative complaint against the district engineer of Baguio City for allegedly refusing to cooperate in the ongoing investigation into flood control projects. In a two-page order, DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon also imposed a 30-day preventive suspension against Baguio City District engineer Rene Zarate.

According to Philippines News Agency, the order stated that Zarate “refused to cooperate” with the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI), the body President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. formed to investigate flood control projects undertaken within the past 10 years. The order claims that there is a prima facie case against Rene F. Zarate for Gross Neglect of Duty, Conduct Prejudicial to the Best Interest of Service, Gross Insubordination, and Violation of Reasonable Office Rules and Regulations under specific sections of the 2025 RACCS (Rules on Administrative Cases in the Civil Service).

The order further mentions that due to the gravity of the offenses charged, Zarate is placed under preventive suspension for 30 days, effective upon receipt of the order. Zarate has been allotted three days to respond to the charges. If he fails to submit his answer within the specified period, he will be considered to have waived his rights to submit and the case will be decided based on available records, as stipulated under Section 31, Rule 6 of the 2025 RACCS.