Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon on Thursday afternoon lodged a graft and malversation complaint against 21 of DPWH’s officials and contractors in La Union and Davao Occidental over links to faulty or fictitious flood control projects.

Of the 21 personalities, 12 are officials, personnel, and contractors from La Union, while nine are from Davao Occidental, reported RH 5 Val Gonzales. None of the respondents are government officials as the Ombudsman has yet to conduct further investigations.

Among the respondents, however, is controversial contractor Cezarah “Sarah” Discaya, who owns St. Timothy Construction Corp., which was awarded a flood control project worth ₱96.5 million. Upon inspection, Secretary Dizon called it a “ghost” project.

Silverwolves Construction Corp. has also been included among the respondents, after cornering two projects valued at ₱179.4 million.

Dizon turned over the complaint himself, before Assistant Ombudsman Mico Clavano.

The verified complaint has been reviewed by the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI). Within 60 days, a preliminary investigation will be launched and counter-affidavits will be requested of the respondents.

Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla has identified Benguet lone district Rep. Eric Yap. as a “person of interest” due to his connection as a beneficial owner to Silverwolves Construction Corp. Dizon said, however, that beneficial owners have not been included in the complaint.