Transition to new admin: DPWH chief warns vs influence peddlers

MANILA, Philippines – With a little over a month to go before a new set of Cabinet secretaries takes over, outgoing Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Rogelio Singson warned against influence peddlers taking advantage of the transition period to the new administration.

Singson warned officials and contractors of the DPWH to be vigilant against those claiming to be associated with the new officials expected to be part of the incoming Duterte administration.

This includes Las Piñas Representative Mark Villar, who has accepted the offer of President-elect Rodrigo Duterte to head the DPWH. (READ: DPWH post: Can Mark Villar rise above business interests?)

In a statement, Singson said he has received reports that impostors are using the name of Villar in calls with DPWH regional directors, and offering to broker a meeting between the lawmaker and big contractors affiliated with the public works department.

The DPWH chief said that even the name of Duterte’s campaign spokesperson, Peter Laviña, has been mentioned.

“Be vigilant about calls and messages, as somebody has started to use the name of Congressman Mark, [and] Mr Peter Laviña, the presumptive president’s campaign spokesperson,” Singson said.

The DPWH Presidential Transition Committee is currently preparing for the turn-over of leadership to the incoming secretary. – Rappler.com