Eight Department of Public Works and Highways-Mimaropa officials facing graft charges over the allegedly anomalous ₱289.5-million road dike project in Naujan, Oriental Mindoro "pleaded not guilty" before the Sandiganbayan on Thursday, November 27.

The accused who appeared for arraignment and pleaded not guilty were:

• Gerald Pacanan

• Gene Ryan Altea

• Ruben Santos Jr.

• Dominic Serrano

• Felisardo Casino

• Dennis Abagon

• Lerna Cayco

• Montrexis Tamayo

Meanwhile, Juliet Calvo, failed to attend the arraignment after the court was unable to issue a produce order for her appearance. Calvo is currently detained at Camp Caringal.

RH Val Gonzales reported, Calvo was committed to jail on Wednesday by the Sandiganbayan Sixth Division after she was ordered detained in connection with a separate malversation of funds case.

Although she was initially not included in the graft-related commitment order, an amended case filing by the prosecution led to her inclusion in the malversation case.

Following this, the court directed that she be detained at the Quezon City Jail Female Dormitory.

Calvo’s arraignment for the graft case has been reset to December 2, the same date scheduled for her arraignment in the malversation case.

The Sandiganbayan has scheduled multiple pre-conference hearings for the case on the following dates in 2026: January 9, 19, and 26, and on February 5, 12, 19, and 26.