The Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) has recommended the filing of charges before the Office of the Ombudsman against twelve former officials of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in connection with the ₱95-million ghost flood control project of Topnotch Catalyst Builders in Barangay Bambang, Bocaue, Bulacan.
In a press conference in Taguig City, ICI Chairman Andres Reyes said among those named were former DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan and former undersecretaries Roberto Bernardo and Maria Catalina Cabral, for possible violations of the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees (Republic Act No. 6713).
The ICI also recommended charges against the following engineers:
- Henry Alcantara
- Brice Hernandez
- Jaime Hernandez
- Ernesto Galang
- John Carlo Rivera
- John Michael Marcos
- Claudine Magdalene Magsakay
- Ericka Justine Chico
- Allan Payawal
According to ICI and the Commission on Audit (COA) technical inspection, no structure was found at the project site despite full disbursement of funds.
“Based on the report endorsed by the Commission on Audit, it was established that no structure was constructed at the location specified in the approved bid plans. It is also noted that there are unjustified discrepancies between the as-built plans and the approved bid discrepancies plans," Reyes said.
Reyes emphasized that the findings clearly indicate that the project was never implemented, yet DPWH proceeded with the release and full payment of contract costs to Topnotch Catalyst Builders and its subcontractor, Beam Team.
“It appears that several DPWH public officials were grossly negligent, if not remiss, in the performance of their duties,” he added.
They are being investigated for possible violations of the anti-graft and corrupt practices act (Republic Act No. 3019), the malversation and falsification provisions of the revised penal code, no. 1759, and the government procurement reform act (Republic Act No. 9184).
The ICI chair stressed the importance of integrity in public service, saying that “Honesty remains the best policy. No one is above the law.”
Call for whistleblowers
Reyes called on potential whistleblowers to come forward with more evidence to strengthen the case.
“We need whistleblowers. We need to compile more evidence. But right now, it's best that we recommend administrative liability on their part. As to the criminal, it can be a case built up by the Ombudsman. But we are already referring their names to the ombudsman. So that's a big achievement on our part,” Reyes said.
“Kailangan namin mga nagsasalita, nagsusumbong, nagtuturo. These are criminal minds. Mga mastermind to. These are planned already na hindi sila mahuhuli. Walang record, walang usapan. At that point, I appeal to those people who have knowledge to come out and support us,” he added.
He clarified that while ICI serves primarily as an evidence-gathering body, the Ombudsman will determine the final administrative and criminal actions against the implicated officials.
“We are just the data [and] evidence gatherer. So it is up to the ombudsman to really determine the action to be taken against these public officials,” he said.
This marks the fourth interim report and recommendation submitted by ICI to the Ombudsman.
'World needs love, not greed, not selfishness'
During the briefing, Reyes held up a placard that read, “What the world needs now is love, not greed, not selfishness.”
He appealed to Filipinos to "not to be greedy" and instead to love the country and their fellow citizens.
The ICI on Wednesday recommended administrative charges before the Office of the Ombudsman against Bonoan, Bernardo, Cabral, and eight others over the alleged ₱72-million ghost flood control project in Bulacan.
