Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon has ordered the immediate relief of Atty. Mikhail Tupaz, Officer-in-Charge (OIC), Division Chief, Internal Affairs Division (IAD) - Legal Service, following reports of abusive conduct against a subdivision security guard.

Dizon said the complaint was relayed to him by Senator Raffy Tulfo, who received reports that Tupaz cursed at a guard who refused to let him inside a gated subdivision. The DPWH official allegedly ordered the guard’s arrest with the help of a police escort despite the guard only performing his duty.

“Effective today, I have relieved Attorney Tupaz of his position. I signed the relief order this morning,” Dizon announced during the press conference on Friday, September 12.

The DPWH chief also confirmed that he has asked the guard and his wife to file an official complaint so the agency can formally process the case.

“Kung totoo yung allegation against Attorney Tupaz, e pasensya ka na, Attorney Tupaz. We will not tolerate abusive behavior dito sa DPWH,” Dizon said.

Warning to other officials

Dizon stressed that the agency will strictly act on similar cases of misconduct.

"Ito magse-serve ng warning sa mga taga-DPWH. Kapag may reklamo sa inyo, at ito ay na-validate namin, kung ano yung mangyayari at nangyari dito kay Attorney Tupaz, mangyayari din sa inyo,” he warned.

He reiterated that abusive acts will not be tolerated in government, citing similar standards being imposed on agencies like the DOTr and LTO.

The DPWH said it expects the official complaint from the guard and his family to be filed next week.