8 DPWH execs in flood mess plead 'not guilty'

Eight regional officials of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Region 4-B (Mimaropa) have claimed innocence on the alleged P289.5-million substandard flood control project in Oriental Mindoro, awarded to a construction firm linked to resigned Ako Bicol party-list representative Zaldy Co.

- By ELIZABETH MARCELO

Appearing before the Sandiganbayan Fifth Division yesterday, the eight DPWH regional officials pleaded not guilty officials pleaded "not guilty" during their arraignment for their case of violation of Section 3 (e) of Republic Act 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, a provision which prohibits public officials from giving unwarranted benefits, advantage or preference to a private party or from causing any party, including the government, undue injury.

Those who pleaded not guilty were DPWH Region 4-B regional director Gerald Pacanan, assistant regional directors Gene Ryan Altea and Ruben D.S. Santos Jr., Construction Division chief and Bids and Awards Committee chairperson Dominic Serrano, Quality Assurance and Hydrology Division officerin-charge and BAC member Dennis Abangon, Planning and Design Division officer-in-charge Montrexis Tamayo, project engineer Felisardo Casuno and accountant Lerma Cayco.