26/11/2025
❗️HUSTISYA❗️
The DPWH Employees Union is deeply saddened and angered by the events that unfolded today involving several officials and employees of DPWH Region IV-B, who were arrested, publicly paraded, and subjected to the release of unblurred mugshots as if they were already convicted criminals.
They are accused, not yet found guilty. Every person is entitled to the presumption of innocence, due process of law, and humane treatment, regardless of rank or position in government.
While we fully support all legitimate efforts to fight corruption, we firmly believe that this must never come at the expense of human dignity and fundamental rights. Law enforcement and investigative agencies can – and must – do their work without resorting to trial by publicity or unnecessarily degrading treatment of government workers.
The DPWH Federation of Employees Union therefore:
1. Stands in solidarity with the officials and employees of DPWH Region IV-B who were arrested. Our support is for their right to be treated fairly, humanely, and in accordance with the Constitution and the law.
2. Calls for equal and humane treatment of all accused persons, including government employees – no public shaming, no sensationalized release of images, and no actions that pre-judge their guilt in the eyes of the public.
3. Demands that investigations be thorough, impartial, and free from political or media pressure, so that the real culprits and masterminds behind any anomalies are identified, charged, and held fully accountable.
4. Urges the public and the media to avoid sweeping generalizations against all DPWH employees and to refrain from condemning individuals who have not yet been convicted in a court of law.
DPWH employees across the country work even under difficult conditions to serve the Filipino people. They, too, deserve respect, fairness, and protection under the same justice system they help uphold through their public service.
We stand with our fellow workers in Region IV-B.
We stand for justice, due process, and human dignity.
We stand for holding the real culprits accountable – but never at the cost of treating mere employees as if they were already the worst of convicted criminals.
DPWH Employees Union
