Eight DPWH officials face graft raps over P289.5-M project

Eight officials of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Region 4B (MIMAROPA) are facing charges of malversation of public funds and violation of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act for an anomalous P289.5-million flood control project.

The charges stem from an allegedly irregular road dike project at the Mag-asawang Tubig River in Naujan, Oriental Mindoro.

Seven of the accused voluntarily surrendered to authorities, while Engr. Montrexis Tamayo, the DPWH Planning and Design Division OIC-chief, was arrested by the PNP-CIDG.

Seven of the accused were ordered detained at BJMP facilities in Quezon City, while one, DPWH accountant Juliet Calvo, has posted bail for her graft case.

Their arraignment is scheduled for December 2.

Authorities are still searching for seven other individuals, including former lawmaker Zaldy Co, who have outstanding warrants of arrest.

The Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) has obtained two new freeze orders targeting assets of those implicated in the scandal, bringing the value of immobilized holdings to nearly P12 billion.