Raps eyed against DPWH execs, contractors: Ghost projects in Balamban?

CEBU, Philippines — The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has recommended the filing of criminal charges against two contractors and several officials of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) over two alleged ghost flood control projects in Barangay Singsing, Balamban, Cebu.

NBI-7 Supervising Agent Gregorio Algoso said the recommendation has been submitted to the NBI Task Force on DPWH Flood Control Project Anomalies and the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI).

“The recommendation was against the contractor and the DPWH officials—everybody involved,” Algoso said during a press conference on Tuesday.

He refused to provide further details, saying only the task force and the DOJ are authorized to speak on the matter.

The NBI Task Force on DPWH Flood Control Project Anomalies is a special unit created to investigate alleged corruption and irregularities involving DPWH infrastructure and flood control projects. It coordinates with the DOJ in building criminal cases.

He clarified that the NBI has not found sufficient evidence to implicate any elected officials in the alleged anomaly.

“So far, we don’t have any direct link to that yet,” he said when asked whether politicians were included in the recommendations.

Algoso said the two alleged ghost projects, each worth P80 million, were referred to the Department of Justice (DOJ) in December last year for preliminary proceedings.

“As of now, we don’t have any update,” Algoso said when asked about the status of the cases, adding that any developments would be announced by the DOJ.

Evidence-based investigations

Meanwhile, newly installed NBI-7 Regional Director Atty. Dominador Cimafranca said the flood control scandal remains one of the bureau’s top corruption investigations.

Asked whether more government officials, including those holding leadership positions, could face charges if evidence links them to the alleged anomalies, Cimafranca stressed that no one is exempt from investigation.

“Any public official or any private individual found to be involved in public corruption among atong naimbestigahan, mahimo gyud silang kasuhan,” he said.

Cimafranca emphasized that all NBI investigations are strictly evidence-based and are not influenced by a person's position or status.

“Evidence-based ang tanang investigation sa NBI. Dili tungod sa personality sa usa ka tawo maoy basihan sa among imbestigasyon. Kung walay ebidensya, dili mi makapadayon,” he said.

He added that while some stages of criminal proceedings require only probable cause, the NBI aims to gather evidence strong enough to sustain a conviction in court.

New priorities

Aside from the flood control investigation, Cimafranca said NBI-7 has identified cybercrime, organized crime, and other major offenses among its top investigative priorities under the new regional leadership. The bureau is also set to launch a region-wide campaign to strengthen campus safety.

Cimafranca, who formally assumed office on Monday, said NBI headquarters has directed the regional office to aggressively pursue cases within its jurisdiction while upholding the rule of law and ensuring accountability.

“Our mandate is clear: to uphold the rule of law, protect the rights of citizens, and ensure accountability across all sectors,” Cimafranca said.

He said the bureau's priority investigations include public corruption, agricultural smuggling, dangerous drugs, cybercrime, violations of business regulations, intellectual property rights violations, environmental offenses, organized crime, white-collar crimes, and offenses affecting national security and national interests.

Alongside its law enforcement efforts, Cimafranca said NBI-7 has also been instructed to strengthen coordination with local government units and academic institutions to help keep schools safe.

As part of the initiative, the bureau will roll out a region-wide information campaign targeting students, teachers, parents, and other members of school communities.

The campaign will focus on cybersecurity by teaching students how to protect their personal information, identify online scams, and recognize phishing attempts. It will also promote responsible digital communication to prevent cyberbullying and address online harassment.

Another component will tackle physical security, including campus safety, emergency preparedness, access control, and appropriate response and prevention measures during school-related incidents.

Cimafranca said the seminars will cover not only students but also teachers, parents, security personnel, custodians, canteen workers, janitors, and other school employees to ensure that all members of the school community are equipped to respond during emergencies.

He added that the information drive will be conducted in academic institutions across Central Visayas, including universities and colleges, in coordination with school administrators and education stakeholders.

The NBI-7 chief also said discussions on fraternities, particularly issues involving students and minors, will form part of the agency's awareness campaign.

He noted that concerns involving students' use of cellphones and computer shops may also be discussed, although regulations governing these matters primarily fall under the jurisdiction of the Department of Education and local government units.

Cimafranca assured the public that NBI-7 will pursue its investigations with transparency, professionalism, and dedication while strengthening coordination and information sharing with partner agencies and the community.

“The public can expect timely updates and visible progress as we carry out this mission. Together, we will ensure that justice is not only served, but seen to be served,” Cimafranca said. — (FREEMAN)