DPWH-7 execs face graft raps

CEBU, Philippines — Criminal and administrative complaints have been filed before the Office of the Ombudsman against the acting regional director of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in Central Visayas and six other officials for allegedly awarding infrastructure contracts to contractors with serious accountability issues.

Carlo Batalla, chairman and president of Crimes and Corruption Watch International Inc. (CCWI), an accredited civil society organization of the DPWH, accused DPWH-7 officer-in-charge Simon Arias; Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) chairman Faustino A. Dela Cruz Jr.; BAC vice chairman Jerry B. Evangelio; and BAC members Brando Ray P. Raya, Joan L. Pitogo, and Vince Montrix O. Calapre of allegedly violating the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, the Government Procurement Reform Act, and the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees.

Batalla alleged that, based on DPWH-7's post-contract award disclosure covering January to April 2026, several contracts procured through negotiated procurement for emergency cases were awarded to contractors with documented project delays, negative slippages, and other accountability issues.

Among the contractors identified in the complaint were QM Builders, Muaña Construction and Development Corp., WTG Construction and Development Corp., Z&G Construction Services, QG Development Corp., and the joint venture of PLD Construction and Development Inc. and TRI4 Construction and Development Corp.

The complaint specifically questioned the award of contracts to QM Builders, which Batalla alleged had been publicly identified among contractors under government investigation over alleged anomalies in flood control projects.

The affidavit also cited Contract ID 25H00156, worth P192.598 million, which was awarded through competitive bidding to the joint venture of PLD Construction and Development Inc. and TRI4 Construction and Development Corp., despite what the complainant described as publicly documented negative slippages in previous or ongoing government projects.

According to Batalla, the questioned contract awards raise concerns over whether the BAC conducted sufficient post-qualification, contractor performance evaluation, and risk assessment before recommending the projects for approval.

The complaint said CCWI had earlier written DPWH-7 on May 20, 2026, requesting a review of the emergency procurement awards, disclosure of contractor performance evaluations, and a reassessment of post-qualification procedures.

Batalla said copies of the letter were also furnished to the Office of the President and the Government Procurement Policy Board.

However, the complainant claimed that Arias' reply dated May 26, 2026 merely acknowledged CCWI's advocacy for transparency and contained only a general commitment to strengthen procurement evaluation processes without directly addressing the specific concerns raised.

The complaint likewise questioned the 28-day gap between the date indicated on the reply and its recorded filing by DPWH-7.

Batalla asked the anti-graft body to give due course to his complaint and conduct a formal investigation against the respondents. He also urged the Ombudsman to charge the respondents with violations of Republic Act Nos. 3019, 9184, and 6713, as well as other applicable laws in the proper court.

Pending investigation, the complainant asked that a preventive suspension order be issued against the respondents to preserve procurement records and evidence. The complainant likewise asked for the suspension or comprehensive review of the questioned procurement contracts, particularly those involving QM Builders. — /FPL (FREEMAN)