20 DPWH execs, 5 contractors charged before Ombudsman over flood control irregularities

In what could be deemed as the beginning of the day of reckoning, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) on Thursday, Sept. 11, filed graft and malversation complaints against 20 officials of its Bulacan First District Engineering Office and five private contractors over the alleged massive corruption in flood control projects.

- TRIXEE ROSEL and CZARINA NICOLE ONG-KI

DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon led the filing of the complaint at the Office of the Ombudsman, saying it follows President Marcos' repeated orders to hold accountable those involved in the misuse of public funds.

"Even if they are friends or allies, everyone must be held responsible," Dizon stressed as he noted that this is only the beginning as the Independent Commission has just been organized.

He personally submitted key documents to the Ombudsman to support alleged violations of Republic Act No. 3019 (Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act); Article 217 of the Revised Penal Code (Malversation of Public Funds) in relation to Article 171; Republic Act No. 9184; and other relevant laws.

20 DPWH execs