Sandigan blocks ex-DPWH execs’ attempt to stall case

MANILA, Philippines — The Sandiganbayan Sixth Division has upheld its decision blocking former public works officials in Region 4 from seeking an early dismissal of malversation and falsification charges tied to an infrastructure project.

In a June 23 resolution, the anti-graft court reiterated that granting the motions would serve no purpose other than to “stall the proceedings.”

Gerald Pacanan, Dominic Serrano, Juliet Calvo, Dennis Abagon, Montrexis Tamayo, Lerma Cayco and Felisardo Casuno had filed a motion for leave to file demurrer to evidence – a legal maneuver testing the sufficiency of the prosecution’s case before the defense presents its own evidence.

Respondents had argued that prosecutors failed to present witnesses confirming the delivery of shortened steel sheet piles.

The court pointed out that the arguments raised by the defense were mere rehashes of their previous filings, making it a “useless ritual for the Court to reiterate itself.”

ICI not ignored

Meanwhile, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has denied disregarding the recommendations of the Independent Commission on Infrastructure (ICI) in the flood control scandal.

Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon’s amendments to the “levels of authority” of regional directors and district engineers in disbursing funds did not disregard the ICI, the DPWH said.

Department Order 74 covered only the financial management transactions at the central office, “specifically, elevating the authority to approve notices of transfer allocations (NTAs) from the assistant secretary level to the undersecretary for support services,” the agency said.

“This strengthens and increases, not reduces, the level of oversight for approvals,” the DPWH said. — Rainier Allan Ronda