DMW orders recall of labor attaché in LA amid investigation on Flood Control Projects

“Today, we have issued a recall order for Labor Attaché Maglanque to be able to go home and face the investigation,” Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Cacdac said in a statement. (PNA / File photo)

The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) has ordered Labor Attaché Macy Monique Maglanque to return from her assignment in Los Angeles to answer questions regarding alleged irregularities in multi-billion peso flood control projects. Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Cacdac clarified that Maglanque has not been penalized but must face inquiries both from the DMW and other possible investigations in the country.

Cacdac emphasized that the recall was procedural, allowing Maglanque the opportunity to respond directly to the allegations.

However, Sen. Panfilo Lacson argued that recalling Maglanque may be unnecessary. He noted that while she previously served as president of MBB Properties in 2024, she had no direct stake in Globalcrete Builders — the company that secured P2.195 billion worth of Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) projects in Bulacan, one of which was flagged as substandard. Lacson explained that his privilege speech focused more on the propriety of actions by former DPWH secretary Manuel Bonoan and the legal violations of Candaba Mayor Rene Maglanque, Macy’s father, who did not divest from business interests.

Mayor Maglanque’s firm, Globalcrete Builders, reportedly won multiple flood control contracts between 2018 and 2024. His ties to Bonoan, who resigned from the DPWH, have drawn further scrutiny.

In related developments, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) confirmed receiving lookout bulletins for DPWH officials and contractors linked to the projects. BI spokesperson Dana Sandoval said two batches covering 61 individuals had been issued, with more expected. While a lookout bulletin does not prevent travel, it allows immigration officers to monitor movements and verify whether warrants or hold departure orders exist.

Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon also asked the Department of Justice to place Bonoan, his daughter, Mayor Maglanque, Macy Maglanque, and MBB Global Properties’ corporate secretary Sunshine Bernardo under immigration watch, in line with a directive from President Marcos.

Separately, the Land Transportation Office (LTO) announced it will coordinate with the Bureau of Customs (BOC) to verify documents on 30 luxury vehicles linked to contractors Sarah and Curlee Discaya. While the LTO confirmed that all registrations included standard requirements such as police clearances and Customs certificates, the BOC flagged several cars with missing or incomplete import records.

LTO chief Vigor Mendoza II said the discrepancies could point to falsified electronic transmissions, possibly by hackers or insiders during the previous administration. He added that all 47 vehicles tied to the Discayas — including the 30 luxury cars — were listed as “race cars.” The LTO will also reexamine vehicles associated with other contractors under congressional scrutiny for alleged ghost flood control projects.

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