The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has filed new cases against several officials and contractors over P275.9 million worth of substandard flood control projects in La Union and Davao Occidental. The move aims to expedite the process of cases against those involved.
In Davao Occidental, the case involves a P96.5-million flood control project, where eight DPWH officials from the district engineering office were charged. Also included is Sarah Discaya, owner of St. Timothy Construction Corp., which won the project. The DPWH called it a ghost project because it was not completed even though it was supposed to be completed in 2022.
In La Union, the project has two phases worth P179.5 million, which was awarded to Silverwolves Construction Corp. The case includes 12 DPWH officials from the La Union 2nd District Engineering Office and the company's general manager, Moises Tabucol.
Three congressmen were also listed as persons of interest: Reps. Edvic Yap, Eric Yap, and Salvador Pleyto. According to the Ombudsman, Edvic previously had a stake in the Silverwolves, Eric was the House appropriations chair in 2020–2022, and Pleyto received funds from contractors. The AMLC also found that about P70 million was transferred to Edvic’s bank account from Discayas, which showed a conflict of interest.
According to the Ombudsman, these cases will go directly to preliminary investigation because the government documents are regular. Investigations into officials, contractors, and congressmen involved in the controversy are ongoing.
