DPWH chief wins Mindoro infra case

CALAPAN CITY, Philippines – Secretary Rogelio Singson of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and his men have won a case involving an infrastructure project in Oriental Mindoro.

The case against Singson, Southern Mindoro district engineering office chief Magtanggol Roldan, and private contractor Elegio Malaluan stemmed from a complaint filed by a group of residents, led by a former municipal mayor.

In a complaint filed in 2010, the complainants – former Bansud town mayor Prudente Soller, his wife Preciosa, Raffy Telosa and Gavino Mañibo Jr. – alleged the construction of the Strong Republic Nautical Highway (SRNH) had put their lives and properties in danger.

In a decision issued recently, Judge Recto Calabocal dismissed the complaint citing lack of jurisdiction.

Calabocal said only the Supreme Court has the authority to stop any infrastructure project of the national government as provided under Republic Act 8975.

He said the project in question was finished when the case was being heard.