Inquirer
Bonoan could be criminally liable too in flood control mess – ICI chair
The Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) has recommended filing criminal and administrative charges against former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) officials, including former secretary Manuel Bonoan, concerning a P95-million flood control project in Bocaue, Bulacan.
ICI Chairperson Andres Reyes Jr. stated that DPWH officials were allegedly negligent in ensuring the project's proper implementation and the lawful disbursement of government funds.
The project, involving slope protection structures and waterways in Brgy. Bambang, Bocaue, was reportedly never built, according to a Commission on Audit (COA) technical inspection.
Despite the project's non-implementation, the DPWH allegedly proceeded with the unwarranted release and full payment of the contract cost to contractors Topnotch Catalyst Builders, Inc. and Beam Team Developer Specialist, Inc.
The ICI's interim report to the Office of the Ombudsman suggests possible violations of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, malversation, and falsification against contractor representatives and DPWH officials.
ICI Chair Andres Reyes Jr. also stated that administrative liability findings against Bonoan could escalate into criminal charges should the fact-finding body gather more evidence and witnesses.
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The Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) has urged the Office of the Ombudsman to investigate former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) officials, including ex-Secretary Manuel Bonoan, over alleged irregularities in a P72-million flood control project in Plaridel, Bulacan.
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The Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) has amended its second referral to the Office of the Ombudsman, adding three former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) engineers, namely Henry Alcantara, Brice Hernandez, and Jaypee Mendoza, along with four other individuals to its investigation into flood control irregularities.
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The Office of the Ombudsman, in coordination with the Department of Justice (DOJ), is set to file the first batch of cases related to anomalous flood control projects before the Sandiganbayan on or before November 25.
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The Department of Justice (DOJ) has issued subpoenas to respondents involved in the investigation of five ghost flood control projects in Bulacan.
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President Marcos affirmed the administration's commitment to funding the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI), which is investigating anomalous public works projects from the past decade.
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