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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider ICI recommends probe, raps vs ex-DPWH engineers over P95-M 'ghost' project in Bulacan

ICI recommends probe, raps vs ex-DPWH engineers over P95-M 'ghost' project in Bulacan

Published Nov 6, 2025 12:07 pm

At A Glance

  • The Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) is filing its fourth referral case to the Office of the Ombudsman, wherein it is recommending another batch of charges against two infamous Bulacan district engineers in the anomalous flood control projects.
The Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) is filing its fourth referral case to the Office of the Ombudsman, wherein it is recommending another batch of charges against two infamous Bulacan district engineers in the anomalous flood control projects.
The names of seven other individuals, including a contractor, will also be referred to the Ombudsman.
ICI chairman retired Supreme Court (SC) associate justice Andres Reyes Jr. said the body is asking the Ombudsman to evaluate potential violations committed by and charge, if necessary, former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Bulacan 1st District Engineer Henry Alcantara and assistant district engineer Brice Hernandez in relation to the non-existent P95-million flood control project in Bocaue, Bulacan.
Other individuals recommended for investigation and charges were: engineers Jaime Hernandez, Ernesto Galang, John Carlo Rivera, John Michael Marcos, Claudine Magdalene Magsakay and Ericka Justine Chico.
Allan Payawal of Topnotch Catalyst Builders--the contractor of the supposed "ghost" project, was also referred to the Ombudsman.
"Based on a report endorsed by the Commission on Audit (COA), it was established that no structure was constructed at the location specified in the Approved Bid Plans. It also noted unjustified discrepancies between the as-built plans and the approved bid/contract plans," Reyes said.
The charges recommended against them were violations of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, Malversation and Falsification provisions of the Revised Penal Code (RPC), Presidential Decree (PD) No. 1759 or the law violating contractors and subcontractors, and the Government Procurement Reform Act.
"In addition, the Commission has recommended that the Ombudsman assess whether potential violations of the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees may also exist on the part of Former DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan, Former Undersecretaries Roberto Bernardo and Maria Catalina Cabral, among others," Andres added.
Alcantara, Hernandez were already included in ICI's third referral case, while Bonoan, Bernardo and Cabral were in the fourth one.
But Andres said that the Commission "does not make categorical findings of guilt, and that responsibility for determining liability rests with the proper authorities".
"This Interim Report is intended to assist in ensuring accountability in infrastructure projects and in protecting the integrity of public funds," he added.
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