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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Metro Manila devider Task Force Kasanag files raps vs NIA officials, contractors

Task Force Kasanag files raps vs NIA officials, contractors

Published Mar 5, 2026 01:34 pm
TFK founder and chairman Dr. John J. Chiong presented the complaint-affidavit on March 5, 2026.
TFK founder and chairman Dr. John J. Chiong presented the complaint-affidavit on March 5, 2026.
Task Force Kasanag (TFK) has filed complaints before the Office of the Ombudsman against officials of the National Irrigation Administration (NIA), members of its Bids and Awards Committee, and several private construction firms in connection with the procurement and awarding of irrigation infrastructure projects.
During a media conference on Thursday, March 5, TFK Founder and Chairman Dr. John J. Chiong presented the complaint-affidavit, which the group said was received by the Ombudsman on March 4, 2026.
Named as respondents in the complaint are NIA Administrator Eduardo Eddie G. Guillen; Engr. Robert C. Suguitan, chairman of the NIA Bids and Awards Committee-A (BAC-A); and other members of the BAC-A.
Also cited as private respondents are Sta. Clara International Corporation and the consortium of IGWT-JAV Construction & Development Corporation and China International Water & Electric Corporation.
The complaint alleges violations of Republic Act No. 3019, Republic Act No. 7080, and Republic Act No. 6713.
According to the complaint-affidavit presented to the media, the case is related to the procurement process for the San Felipe Earthfill Dam and Appurtenant Structures of the Ilocos Norte–Ilocos Sur Irrigation Project (INISIP), particularly the Upper Small Reservoir component identified as ITB No. IR-SRIPDP-C-42.
TFK said the complaint stemmed from alleged irregularities in the procurement and implementation of multi-billion-peso irrigation infrastructure projects.
The group cited concerns raised in the complaint regarding the conduct of the bidding process handled by the NIA Bids and Awards Committee.
The document also questioned the evaluation of bids and the determination of the winning bidder for the project.
It noted that the contract was eventually awarded to the consortium composed of IGWT-JAV Construction & Development Corporation and China International Water & Electric Corporation, after which a contract agreement was executed with NIA.
In a separate filing, TFK said it also lodged graft and plunder complaints before the Ombudsman against former officials of the Department of Public Works and Highways.
Those named in the complaint include former DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan and former undersecretaries Ador Canlasand Emil Sadain.
According to TFK, the separate complaint involves alleged irregularities linked to major infrastructure projects handled during their tenure.
The group said the filing forms part of its efforts to promote transparency and accountability in the use of public funds.
The complaints are now under evaluation by the Ombudsman for appropriate action.
As of posting, officials from the National Irrigation Administration, the Department of Public Works and Highways, and the companies named in the complaint have yet to issue statements regarding the allegations.

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