The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has come out with an advisory to all project stakeholders in view of the increasing reports of fraudulent activities.
DPWH Stakeholders Relations Service Director Elizabeth P. Pilorin advised the public to report through Secretary Mark A. Villar’s 24/7 Hotline 165-02 incidence of unauthorized and unlawful solicitations in any form from officials and employees of the Department or to come forward and file the necessary complaint.
In the past, fraudulent activities by falsely misrepresenting or impersonating officials of DPWH have thrived despite numerous warnings and public advisories from the Department.
Director Pilorin said that the DPWH has been actively trying to stop the illegal activities through posting of announcements in website and social media to bring an end to illegal activities and the scammers or syndicates to justice.
Meanwhile, DPWH Public Private Partnership (PPP) Service Director Alex G. Bote said that unscrupulous individuals may perpetrate frauds by making a call and misrepresenting themselves as member of the Right-of-Way Taskforce to solicit monies or favors from property owners affected by projects mostly under Toll Regulatory Board.
Director Bote emphasized the need to be more alert, cautious and vigilant against people namedropping him or his staff or office especially with the PPP Service big involvement in the implementation of priority expressway projects under the Build, Build, Build program.
The possible involvement of personnel from the DPWH PPP Service or members of Right-of-Way Taskforce in soliciting or asking favors is a modus operandi and will not be tolerated by DPWH management, said Bote.
To prevent from doing further damage to others, the public may report similar incidence directly to DPWH PPP Service Office at 304-3147 and 304-3148.