NBI files graft complaints vs 20 over Cebu flood control projects

MANILA, Philippines — The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Cebu District Office has filed two separate criminal complaints before the Department of Justice (DOJ) against 20 officials, employees and private individuals associated with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Cebu Third District Engineering Office.

The complaints stem from alleged anomalies in the bidding and implementation of two flood control projects within the district's jurisdiction, specifically in Barangay Singsing, Balamban, Cebu.

In a press conference on Tuesday, August 4, DOJ spokesperson Polo Martinez said the first complaint was received on July 29, followed by a second complaint involving the same 20 respondents and charges, but arising from a separate flood control project.

According to Martinez, the 20 respondents include engineers and other personnel from the DPWH Cebu Third District Engineering Office, along with private individuals who allegedly participated in the bidding and implementation of the projects.

Both complaints allege the commission of the following criminal offenses, according to Martinez:

  • Illegal use of public funds or property (technical malversation) under Article 220 of the Revised Penal Code (RPC)
  • Malversation of public funds under Article 217 of the RPC
  • Violation of Sections 3(e) and 3(g) of Republic Act No. 3019, or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act
  • Perjury under Article 183 of the RPC
  • Falsification by private individuals and use of falsified documents under Article 171 of the RPC
  • Falsification of documents by public officers under Article 172 of the RPC
  • Violation of Section 65(b), paragraphs 2 and 4, of Republic Act No. 9184, or the Government Procurement Reform Act.

Martinez emphasized that the cases are currently at the preliminary investigation stage.

"No conclusive finding has been made yet," Martinez said.

"Every respondent will be given the opportunity to submit a counter-affidavit and countervailing evidence against him or her before the Department of Justice resolves the complaints,” he added.

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