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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Visayas devider DPWH officials in Western Visayas face graft charges over bidding

DPWH officials in Western Visayas face graft charges over bidding

Published May 21, 2025 04:00 pm
ILOILO CITY – Graft and corruption charges have been filed against key officials of the Department of Public Works and Highways-6 for allegedly rigging the bidding process in favor of Iloilo-based International Builders Corp. (IBC), the biggest contractor in Western Visayas region.
THE Crimes and Corruption Watch International Inc. (CCWII) announces the filing of graft and corruption complaints against Western Visayas officials of the Department Public Works and Highways on Thursday, May 21. (Santi San Juan)
THE Crimes and Corruption Watch International Inc. (CCWII) announces the filing of graft and corruption complaints against Western Visayas officials of the Department Public Works and Highways on Thursday, May 21. (Santi San Juan)
The complaint filed by Crimes and Corruption Watch International Inc. (CCWII) alleged that DPWH-6 officials led by Regional Director Sonny Boy Oropel awarded contracts in favor of IBC for fiscal year 2024 despite the company’s various previous violations in the construction of government infrastructure projects.
“Of the P9-billion government infrastructure projects under DPWH-6, almost P2.4 billion was awarded to IBC in 2024 alone,” said CCWII Chairman Carlo Batalla after filing it before the Ombudsman on Wednesday, May 21.
“We call on authorities to thoroughly investigate these allegations and take appropriate action to uphold integrity in government dealings,” added Batalla.
The CCWII included IBC President Helen Edith Lee Tan in its graft and corruption complaint before the Ombudsman.
The IBC was the contractor of the Ungka Flyover and Aganan Flyover – two substandard flyovers in Iloilo – that were pet projects of former Ilonggo Sen. Franklin Drilon prior to his political retirement in 2022.
The CCWII also included DPWH-6 Bids and Awards Committee Chairperson Mary Grace Bulaquina-Hachuela, Vice Chairperson Marilou Zamora as well as members Ormel Santos, Gladwyn Ledesma, Roland Victorino, and Ricardo Gutierrez as respondents.
Also named as respondents were DPWH District Engineers Roy Pacanan, Bernadette Betsy Uy, Allan Rey Pajimna, Randolfo Melosantos, and Robert Palmera.
The CCWII is a non-government organization (NGO).

Related Tags

DPWH Bidding Western Visayas International Builders Corp. IBC Iloilo Iloilo City Crimes and Corruption Watch International Inc.
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