DPWH: No Records Tied to Flood Control Investigation Lost in Building Fire

(SPOT.ph) A fire broke out earlier this afternoon on October 22 at the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Bureau of Research and Standards (BRS) building in Quezon City, but the agency was quick to clarify in a statement that no documents linked to the ongoing flood control investigation were affected.

The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) raised the alarm to the third level shortly after noon, with crews managing to control the flames within an hour. The fire was declared under control by 1:34 p.m. and fully extinguished at 1:49 p.m. Fortunately, no injuries were reported among employees.

According to the DPWH, the blaze started inside the Materials Testing Division, where a computer unit reportedly exploded. Located along NIA Road in Barangay Pinyahan, the building houses the bureau responsible for the "conduct of research, studies, pilot testing, and formulation of policies for government infrastructure projects."

An investigation team has been deployed to determine the cause of the fire and assess the extent of the damage, with further updates to follow once findings are complete.

Also read: ICI Calls Out "Widespread Destruction of Documents” in DPWH Flood Control Projects

The timing of the incident has drawn attention as the DPWH remains under intense scrutiny for alleged irregularities in flood control projects across the country. While the agency insists no records were lost, many users on social media questioned the timing.

Just weeks earlier, the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) Chair Justice Andres Reyes Jr. sounded the alarm over what it called “widespread destruction and tampering” of official records on flood control projects.

Separate investigations by the Senate, the Commission on Audit, and Malacañang are already underway, with President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. ordering lifestyle checks on department officials. He warned that “no one will be spared” if wrongdoing is proven.

Also read: QC Finds 329 Out of 331 Flood Control Projects Had No City Approval