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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Ex-DPWH execs recommended for raps risk losing retirement benefits — Hosaka

Ex-DPWH execs recommended for raps risk losing retirement benefits — Hosaka

Published Nov 5, 2025 09:28 pm

At A Glance

  • ​The three former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) officials who were referred to the Ombudsman by the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) for investigation over the anomalies in flood control projects risk losing their benefits if they are found culpable in the controversy.
Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Manuel Bonoan (middle) and former Undersecretaries Roberto Bernardo (right) and Maria Catalina Cabra (left). (MB and Senate of the Philippines photos)
Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Manuel Bonoan (middle) and former Undersecretaries Roberto Bernardo (right) and Maria Catalina Cabra (left). (MB and Senate of the Philippines photos)
​The three former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) officials who were referred to the Ombudsman by the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) for investigation over the anomalies in flood control projects risk losing their benefits if they are found culpable in the controversy.
ICI Executive Director Brian Hosaka said Wednesday, Nov. 5, that the probable penalty for former DPWH secretary Manuel Bonoan and former DPWH undersecretaries Roberto Bernardo and Maria Catalina Cabral "would be forfeiture of retirement benefits and/or prohibition from holding any government position".
This came after the body on Tuesday, Nov. 4, submitted its third interim report to the Ombudsman, which came with a recommendation for the trio to be investigated and assessed whether or not they committed potential violations of the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees in connection with a P72.3-million flood control project in Plaridel, Bulacan.
ICI also recommended the filing of charges against the three.
​"So ​I believe, in that cas​e, I believe it is still material​," Hosaka said when asked what was going to happen to the three DPWH officials since they were no longer part of the department.
The names of ​Bonoan, Bernardo, and Cabral were submitted to the Ombudsman for further investigation in connection with the purported "ghost" flood control project in Barangay Bagong Silang (Purok 4)​ in Bulacan.
ICI Chairman, retired Supreme Court (SC) Associate Justice Andres Reyes Jr. said no actual structure was built at the site indicated in the approved bid plans. Instead, construction was allegedly relocated to another site, as reflected in the “As Staked/As Built” plans.
However, the ICI noted that the change in project location was unsupported by sufficient documentation that would authorize such a deviation.
“The project was never constructed at the designated location in the approved bid plans, thus, not implemented,” Reyes said.
Despite this, the DPWH allegedly released and paid the full contract cost to the contractor, Topnotch.
The ICI said several DPWH public officials appeared "grossly negligent" in ensuring that the project was properly implemented and that government funds were lawfully disbursed.
Their alleged failure to exercise diligence and oversight, the commission added, resulted in evident injury to the government.
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