Complaint vs DPWH brass elevated to OP

By JASON B. NEOLA

LEGAZPI CITY --- A regional officer of an anti-crime watchdog has endorsed to the Office of the President (OP) a complaint lodged against a high-ranking official of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in the Bicol Region, over alleged repeated acts of verbal abuse and maltreatment toward subordinate employees.

Evaristo A. Buenaflor Jr., Regional Director IV of the Citizens Crime Watch International Unified Force and Anti-Crime and Corruption, Inc., submitted on March 14, 2025, the complaint of former utility worker Liezel A. Aycardo against DPWH Bicol Chief Administrative Officer Maria Teodora Losantas.

In her sworn statement, Aycardo recounted an incident on June 23, 2021, during the celebration of the DPWH anniversary, when she was publicly berated by Losantas after mistakenly serving to guests the fried spring rolls (pritong lumpia) she had cooked at the latter’s instruction.

Losantas allegedly lashed out at her in front of others, shouting, “Hinay_ pak ka!” and “Hay_ p ka!,” demanding to know why the food was served before it was photographed for the regional director.

Aycardo tendered her resignation the following day, June 24, 2021, saying the previous day was her final day at work. She further disclosed that it was not the first time Losantas had verbally abused her, and that such behavior extended to other rank-and-file employees in the office.

Four other individuals — Adela B. Belisano, Francis Amier Ragos, Eduardo B. Cope, and Ferero O. Brotamonte — also submitted sworn statements collaborating Aycardo’s accusations.

Ragos, who previously served as a watchman at the DPWH compound in Rawis, Legazpi City, recounted that in 2023, he was verbally reprimanded by Losantas while performing his duty of inspecting all incoming vehicles as part of a security protocol she herself had ordered.

He was taken aback when one of the vehicles he flagged down for inspection turned out to be Losantas’. According to Ragos, she confronted him with a raised voice and an intimidating gesture, pointing her finger at his face and saying, “Are you not aware that it was I riding in this vehicle?”

He further recalled another incident at the exit gate where, while enforcing the policy requiring personnel to present a trip ticket, travel order, or pass slip, he was once again berated by Losantas without clear cause.

Buenaflor, in his transmittal letter to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., said his group is endorsing the complaint against Losantas in the hope that her “alleged maltreatment, rudeness, and arrogance” be immediately investigated and acted upon.

The complaint accuses Losantas of violating Rule III, Section 6 and Rule VII, Section 6 of Republic Act 6713, also known as the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees.

The law provides the following penalties under Section 11 of Republic Act 6713:

(a) Any public official or employee—regardless of their employment status, whether casual, temporary, holdover, permanent, or regular—who commits a violation of this Act may face a fine not exceeding the equivalent of six (6) months’ salary, suspension of up to one (1) year, or removal from office, depending on the gravity of the offense. This shall be imposed after due notice and hearing by the appropriate body or agency. If the violation is subject to a heavier penalty under another law, the offender shall be prosecuted under that statute. Specifically, violations of Sections 7, 8, or 9 of the Act are punishable with imprisonment of up to five (5) years, a fine of up to five thousand pesos (P5,000.00), or both. The court may also impose disqualification from holding public office.

(b) Any proven violation in a proper administrative proceeding shall be sufficient ground for removal or dismissal from service, even if no criminal charges are filed.

Aycardo and the other complainants expressed hope that justice will be served not only for themselves but for other employees who may have experienced similar treatment.

Buenaflor and members of the anti-crime watchdog expressed disappointment over the slow response of the concerned government agency in addressing the issue. He noted that the complaint was originally filed in June 2024 with the Office of the President and was subsequently forwarded to the 8888 Citizen’s Complaint Center for appropriate action. However, no favorable development has occurred since then.

This paper maintains its position and welcomes Ms. Losanta to share her side at any time she wishes. This paper is verifying the response or comment of Ms. Losantas on the complaint, and will immediately publish it once available.