Photo: Ismael De Juan /The Manila Times
The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) office was hit by fire on Wednesday, Oct. 22, the office identified as the Bureau of Research and Standards (BRS) in Quezon City. They confirmed that no documents were destroyed related to the investigation into the anomalies of flood control.
The DPWH BRS is responsible for conducting research, studies, pilot testing, and formulation of policies for government infrastructure projects.
The Bureau of Fire Protection - National Capital Region (BFP-NCR), reported that the fire reached a third alarm before it was distinguished at 1:49 p.m.
“The DPWH confirms that no documents related to the ongoing investigation into the flood control anomalies were in the Bureau of Research and Standards (BRS) building that caught fire in Quezon City today,” the DPWH said in a statement.
In the initial findings, it is indicated that the fire originated from a computer unit inside the materials testing division that reportedly exploded.
It added that an investigation is launched to determine the damage and prevent similar issues in the future.
Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) Commissioner and former Public Works Secretary Babes Singson expressed concern during a Senate hearing, saying, “I hope it is not arson.”
ICI Chairperson Andres Reyes added that the burning incident in Quezon City “does not involve flood control projects” based on current records, but he emphasized the need to safeguard official documents.
“As per record now, the burning in Quezon City does not involve flood control projects but I did have a meeting with COA and I told them you have to secure all records of the COA,” Reyes said. “There is the tendency for criminals to burn down the office.”
Just last month, on Sept. 22, the ICI reported receiving information about the “widespread destruction and tampering of official documents” allegedly committed by some DPWH officials in connection with anomalous flood control projects.
The ICI said it is closely coordinating with the DPWH and the Commission on Audit (COA) to ensure the preservation of public records and to prevent further incidents that could obstruct ongoing investigations into infrastructure-related irregularities.