Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon relieved Loreto Balena Jr. from his position as maintenance chief of the Las Piñas–Muntinlupa District Engineering Office (LMDEO) on August 29, 2026, citing unsatisfactory performance, lack of urgency, and delayed response to calamities, according to GMA Network and mb.com.ph.
Secretary Vince Dizon of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) issued a memorandum on August 29, 2026, formally relieving Loreto C. Balena Jr. from his role as maintenance chief of the Las Piñas–Muntinlupa District Engineering Office (LMDEO). The decision cited unsatisfactory performance, lack of urgency, and delayed response to calamities, according to GMA Network and mb.com.ph. Balena was directed to complete pending documents and formally transfer all records to the appropriate office to ensure uninterrupted public service, as stated in the memorandum.
The memorandum, dated August 29, 2026, explicitly stated that Balena’s unsatisfactory performance and delayed response to calamities warranted his immediate relief. “To ensure the uninterrupted delivery of public service, you are directed to conduct an inventory, accomplish, complete, and sign all pending documents and deliverables, and formally turn over all official records, papers, and properties in your custody to the appropriate office,” the document read, as reported by GMA Network and mb.com.ph. Ryan N.
Las Piñas-Muntinlupa DPWH official relieved over delayed calamity response
The move followed recent reports of flooding in Las Piñas, including at Zapote Junction, where floodwaters rendered the area impassable. The DPWH deployed flood-mitigation equipment, including mobile pumps, to address rising water levels, as noted by GMA Network. Monsoon rains, which affected parts of Luzon, were expected to continue on Sunday, according to the state weather bureau PAGASA.
In its 4 a.m. public weather forecast, PAGASA said monsoon rains were expected over Ilocos Sur, Pangasinan, La Union, Benguet, Bataan, Zambales, Tarlac, and Pampanga. The heavy southwest monsoon or Habagat rains on Saturday affected Metro Manila, with flooding reported in several areas, according to GMA News Online. Although the flooding in Las Piñas was not explicitly cited as the reason for Balena’s relief, it highlighted the broader challenges in disaster response.
The DPWH’s deployment of equipment underscored the agency’s efforts to mitigate the impact of the southwest monsoon, or Habagat, which had caused significant disruptions across Metro Manila. The incident also reignited discussions about the effectiveness of flood control measures, with some officials emphasizing the need for accountability and transparency.
House Deputy Speaker Jay Khonghun called on Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong to present evidence of flood control anomalies in a congressional hearing, stating that the public deserves the truth anchored on evidence, not broad claims that leave everyone guessing. We will only take him seriously if his allegations on flood control anomalies are placed on the record, supported by documents and tested under questioning,
Khonghun said. That means naming names in the hearing, submitting contracts and fund flows, and swearing to the facts so accountability can follow.
Las Pinas-Muntinlupa DPWH district engineer axed
Khonghun emphasized that institutional scrutiny works best when those who speak out are ready to testify under oath and submit primary records that can be independently verified, adding that the process is designed to protect whistleblowers and the innocent alike. The pieces of evidence – if there are any – should be able to withstand cross-examination,
he noted. “If Mayor Magalong believes public funds were misused, he should help us prove it in the committee. Bring the project lists, procurement papers and disbursement records. Put the facts under oath so we can separate rumor from wrongdoing and act on the evidence.”
Senator Bam Aquino called on the government to enlist Filipino scientists in designing flood control strategies, warning that billions of pesos are being poured into projects that fail to address the root causes of flooding. It’s time to use a different strategy. Let’s tap our world-class Filipino scientists and other experts in preventing flooding. They have a lot to contribute in resolving this matter,
he said. Aquino, chair of the Senate committee on science and technology and vice chair of the finance panel, urged that resources be rechanneled toward climate-resilient infrastructure, mangrove reforestation, watershed rehabilitation, and better urban planning.
The senator has filed a resolution seeking a review of how the DPWH and other agencies spent the P360-billion flood control budget in the 2025 national spending law. He noted that despite P1.47 trillion allocated to flood control from 2009 to 2024, Filipinos continue to grapple with poor drainage, outdated pumping stations, and a lack of community-based flood management.
Labor coalition NAGKAISA sought representation in the investigation into flood control anomalies, emphasizing the need for people’s participation. “People’s participation is imperative. Thus, the coalition also underscored that labor representatives must be included in the independent fact-finding body, ensuring that workers’ perspectives are at the table in demanding transparency and accountability,” said NAGKAISA chair Sonny Matula. Matula said the fact-finding body must be patterned after historic truth commissions like the Agrava Commission on Ninoy Aquino’s assassination, the Davide Commission on coup attempts, and the Melo Commission on extrajudicial killings.
Manila Bulletin – Dizon relieves Las Piñas–Muntinlupa District Eng’g
Such a body can ensure impartiality, credibility, and transparency in uncovering the truth behind the scandal,
Matula said. The call for an independent fact-finding body aligns with broader demands for accountability in public infrastructure projects, as highlighted by recent developments in the DPWH.
The relief of Balena Jr. reflects ongoing efforts within the DPWH to address performance issues and improve disaster response. Secretary Dizon’s directive emphasized strict compliance with procedural requirements, signaling a focus on accountability. The agency’s actions align with broader calls for transparency, including a resolution by Senator Bam Aquino to review the allocation of P360-billion in flood control funds under the 2025 national spending law.
Meanwhile, labor coalition NAGKAISA advocated for the inclusion of workers in any independent fact-finding body investigating flood control anomalies, drawing parallels to historic truth commissions like the Agrava Commission. People’s participation is imperative, said NAGKAISA chair Sonny Matula, as reported in philstar.com, though that source’s 2025 context was excluded due to event differences.
The incident underscores the tension between operational efficiency and accountability in public infrastructure management. With monsoon rains persisting and flood risks remaining, the DPWH’s ability to respond effectively will likely remain under scrutiny, as highlighted by GMA Network and mb.com.ph.
