It's your weekly compendium of foolishness and corruption in the Philippine government.
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| https://mb.com.ph/2026/08/28/ombudsman-files-graft-malversation-raps-vs-co-dpwh-execs-over-77-m-bulacan-flood-control-project |
The Office of the Ombudsman (OMB) has filed graft and malversation charges against former Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Elizaldy “Zaldy” Co and several Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) officials over an allegedly anomalous ₱77-million flood control project in Balagtas, Bulacan, which the anti-graft body said an inspection found to be non-existent.
In a statement on Friday, Aug. 28, the OMB said it found probable cause to charge Co and DPWH officials Henry Alcantara, Brice Ericson Diaz Hernandez, Arjay Salvador Domasig, Jaypee De Leon Mendoza, Niño Lawrence Vergara Morales, Juanito Coronel Mendoza, Floralyn Yutuc Simbulan, and Christina Mae Del Rosario Pineda.
The probable-cause finding covered one count of malversation of public funds through falsification of public documents under Article 217, in relation to Article 171(4), of the Revised Penal Code and one count of violation of Section 3(e) of Republic Act No. 3019, or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.
Alcantara, however, was not included in the information filed before the Sandiganbayan because he had been admitted into the Witness Protection Program.
Meanwhile, the anti-graft body said Co’s staff members, John Paul Estrada and Mark Tecsay, were also included in the indictment.
The case involves the construction of a riverbank protection structure along the Balagtas River in Purok 4, Barangay San Juan, Balagtas, Bulacan, under Contract ID No. 25CC0155.
According to the OMB, the project was awarded to SYMS Construction Trading and had a revised contract amount of approximately ₱77.2 million.
A subsequent inspection found that the flood-control structure did not exist despite documents and certifications indicating that the project had been completed, the OMB said.
“The project supposedly started last February 24, 2025 and was declared to be 100% accomplished on May 2, 2025. However, upon inspection, it was non-existent,” the ruling stated.
The OMB said its finding of probable cause was based on a series of approvals and certifications that allowed the release of public funds despite glaring irregularities.
“The repeated approvals of the payments to SYMS, in spite of the glaring irregularities in the Monthly Certificates of Payment (MCPs) and Statements of Work Accomplished (SWAs), are strong indication of their participation in the devious schemes of misappropriating the funds for flood control projects,” the resolution read.
According to the OMB, the respondents’ collective actions indicated the presence of an implied conspiracy.
“In exchange for the kickbacks collected by Alcantara from contractors and delivered in advance to Co, the latter ensured that the project will be inserted in the NEP and eventually funded in the General Appropriations Act (GAA). Co’s participation was therefore necessary or indispensable in this elaborate scheme of embezzling funds intended for flood control projects,” the resolution stated.
“The modus did not end after the delivery of the advance payment to Co. The project was eventually awarded to SYMS which was owned by Santos. However, and which is apparent in the scheme used by the respondents, there was no intention to actually complete the project,” the ruling added.
The OMB also cited the repeated failure of officials responsible for reviewing, inspecting, and certifying the project to exercise the required diligence, saying these could not be considered ordinary lapses or isolated errors.
“Here, respondents acted with evident bad faith and/or gross inexcusable negligence when they issued the pertinent documents and certifications that led to the diversion of public funds… for a project that turned out to be non-existent or incomplete. The repeated failure to exercise due diligence is very telling,” the resolution stated.
The resolution found that the respondents’ actions, taken together, demonstrated their direct and active involvement from the start of the project and enabled the eventual release of millions of pesos in government funds.
Meanwhile, the OMB found no probable cause to charge Co, Alcantara, Estrada, and Tecsay with violating Section 3(b) of Republic Act No. 3019.
It likewise referred the perjury charge against Sally N. Santos to the Department of Justice (DOJ) for proper disposition.
Malversation and graft charges have been field against Rep. Zaldy Co and several DPWH officials.
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| https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2295229/negros-oriental-illegal-gambling-crackdown-6-arrested-7-cops-relieved |
The Philippine National Police (PNP) said Sunday that six alleged illegal numbers game collectors were arrested in simultaneous operations across Negros Oriental, leading to the relief of seven police officers for failing to curb illegal gambling in their areas.
The arrests were made on Aug. 28 by the Regional Special Operations Group of the Police Regional Office Negros Island Region (PRO NIR) in Ayungon, Tayasan, Sibulan, Pamplona, Bayawan and Guihulngan.
The suspects were allegedly caught soliciting and collecting bets for illegal numbers games, in violation of Republic Act No. 9287, or the Anti-Illegal Numbers Games Law.
Authorities recovered betting slips, improvised receipts, claim stubs, notebooks containing number combinations, marked money and cash believed to be proceeds from the illegal activity.
Under RA No. 9287, anyone found acting as a bettor in an illegal numbers game may face imprisonment ranging from 30 to 90 days.
In a statement on Sunday, the PNP said it will “sustain its intensified campaign against illegal gambling and hold police commanders accountable for failing to address unlawful activities within their jurisdictions.”
“Police leadership demands accountability, and we will not hesitate to impose decisive action when commanders fail to address illegal activities within their areas of responsibility,” said PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr.
The PNP relieved the police chiefs of the six affected areas and the provincial director of the Negros Oriental Police Provincial Office.
Following the provincial police director’s removal, the Deputy Regional Director for Operations of PRO NIR was designated as officer-in-charge.“Our operations must be backed by firm command responsibility and sustained enforcement,” said Nartatez.
“It is not enough that arrests are being made; every police chief must ensure that there is no room for illegal gambling in their areas of responsibility,” Nartatez added.
Seven police officers have been relieved for failing to curb illegal gambling in their areas.
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| https://mb.com.ph/2026/08/30/dizon-relieves-las-pinasmuntinlupa-district-engg-office-maintenance-chief-over-unsatisfactory-performance |
Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vivencio “Vince” Dizon has relieved the maintenance chief of the Las Piñas–Muntinlupa District Engineering Office over repeated reports of unsatisfactory performance and delayed response to calamities.
In a memorandum dated Aug. 29, Dizon ordered the immediate relief of Engr. Loreto C. Balena Jr. from his duties as maintenance chief.
“In view of repeated reports concerning your unsatisfactory performance, lack of urgency, and delayed response to calamities, you are hereby relieved of your duties as Maintenance Chief of the Las Piñas–Muntinlupa District Engineering Office, effective immediately,” it stated.
As such, the DPWH chief directed Balena to complete and sign all pending documents and deliverables to ensure the uninterrupted delivery of public services.
“To ensure the uninterrupted delivery of public service, you are directed to conduct an inventory, accomplish, complete, and sign all pending documents and deliverables, and formally turn over all official records, papers, and properties in your custody to the appropriate office,” the memorandum read.
Dizon said the order superseded previous issuances to the contrary and directed Balena to strictly comply with it.
A copy of the memorandum was furnished to Engr. Ryan N. Dela Cruz, officer-in-charge of the Office of the District Engineer.
Department of Public Works and Highways Secretary Vivencio “Vince” Dizon has relieved the maintenance chief of the Las Piñas–Muntinlupa District Engineering Office over repeated reports of unsatisfactory performance and delayed response to calamities.
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| https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2295636/2-cdo-cops-axed-for-alleged-acts-of-lasciviousness |
Two police officers have been sacked from their posts for alleged acts of lasciviousness against female criminology student-interns here, an official said Monday.
The information comes from Brig. Gen. Nestor Babagay Jr., Police Regional Office (PRO)–10 director.
He said that the two officers of the Cagayan de Oro City Police Office’s (COCPO) Station 7 — a police captain and a corporal — have been placed under restrictive custody at the Regional Personnel Holding and Accounting Unit (RPHAU) following the alleged incident.
“Misconduct will not be tolerated. All PNP (Philippine National Police) personnel are expected to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, integrity and respect for the dignity and welfare of every person,” Babagay said in a statement.
He directed the Regional Investigation and Detection Management Division (RIDMD) to conduct a pre-charge evaluation.
On the other hand, COCPO Director Col. Dexter Paje has been instructed to assist the alleged victims through the Women and Children Protection Desk (WCPD) in filing criminal complaints.
Last Aug. 25, COCPO said that it formed an investigation team from its Criminal Investigation and Detection Management Unit (CIDMU) and WCPD.
The probe came after a local higher education institution formally requested the immediate withdrawal of its student-trainees from their field assignments.
On Monday, PRO-10 confirmed that two COCPO personnel allegedly committed acts of lasciviousness against two female interns inside Police Station 7 on Aug. 8.
Two police officers have been sacked from their posts for alleged acts of lasciviousness against female criminology student-interns.
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| https://mb.com.ph/2026/08/31/retired-fireman-nabbed-in-negros-drug-sting |
A 67-year-old retired firefighter was arrested in a recent drug bust operation in Barangay 2, Hinoba-an, Negros Occidental.
Police identified the subject as Romeo, who retired from the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) more than a decade ago.
The suspect allegedly sold shabu to a police agent for P500 during the drug bust.
Police Lt. Marivic Delos Reyes, deputy chief of Hinoba-an Municipal Police Station, said that three grams of suspected shabu worth P20,400 were confiscated from the suspect.
Drug charges will be filed against the suspect on Tuesday, Sept. 1, Delos Reyes said.
Police have limited information as to the suspect’s background in the alleged illegal drug trade, pending further investigation.
A retired firefighter was arrested in a recent drug bust operation.
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| https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1282990 |
The Philippine National Police-Highway Patrol Group (PNP-HPG) filed a formal complaint against two personnel of the Bureau of Customs (BOC) for their involvement in the raid of a Bulacan warehouse containing allegedly smuggled cigarettes.
In a seven-page complaint filed on Aug. 28, PNP-HPG Police Corporal Melvin Habbiling cited the sworn affidavit of alleged middleman Jesus Froilan Acebes Carpiso, who identified BOC Special Agent Lucky Joy "Joy" Solmayor and BOC Technical Support Staff Alexander "Alex" Arroyo Jr. as among those present during the raid in Bulacan.
“Wherefore, premises considered, complainants most respectfully pray that this Honorable Office: Admit the Malayang Sinumpaang-Salaysay/Sworn Statement of Jesus Froilan Acebes Carpiso, together with the other supporting documentary and/or electronic evidence subsequently obtained, and consider the same as integral parts of the records of the instant case,” read the complaint, a copy of which was obtained by the media on Monday.
It further stated that Solmayor, Arroyo, and a certain Jocelyn Miano Bancairen must be included in the preliminary investigation and the determination of probable cause, adding that “appropriate subpoenas” must be issued against them.
In his sworn affidavit, Carpiso stated that Solmayor and Arroyo were present at the Bulacan warehouse when the Regional Highway Patrol Unit-National Capital Region (RHPU-NCR) conducted the raid.
He identified both BOC personnel as the individuals who allegedly received the payment in exchange for 225 boxes of allegedly smuggled Red Carnival cigarettes during the entrapment, or buy-bust operation, on Aug. 19.
Carpiso allegedly served as the middleman who facilitated the sale of the smuggled cigarettes. He accompanied Solmayor to the Bulacan warehouse, where they were met by Arroyo shortly before the RHPU-NCR arrived to conduct the raid.
On Aug. 19, armed civilian-clothed HPG operatives swooped down on the Bulacan warehouse and frisked uniformed customs personnel during a legitimate cigarette incineration operation. The standoff was eventually defused following the intervention of BOC officials.
It was later discovered that the raid stemmed from operational confusion, as the HPG operatives were actually targeting a different location within the area.
The Philippine National Police-Highway Patrol Group filed a formal complaint against two personnel of the Bureau of Customs for their involvement in the raid of a Bulacan warehouse containing allegedly smuggled cigarettes.
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| https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2294522/surigao-del-norte-lawmaker-son-face-probe-over-p-80-m-road-project |
Surigao del Norte Rep. Francisco “Lalo” Matugas and his son Francisco “Bingo” Matugas II are facing complaints for graft and malversation of public funds over an P80-million road project that allegedly remained unfinished yet reported on paper as complete, with the contractor already paid in full.
This was according to the spokesperson of the Office of the Ombudsman, who said the filing of the complaints was recommended by the now-deactivated Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI), the body created by President Marcos in September 2025 to investigate public works anomalies.
Also included as respondents were several officials of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and officers of the private contractor Boometrix Development Corp.
Assistant Ombudsman Mico Clavano on Friday said a preliminary investigation is under way on the allegations against the Matugases, the DPWH personnel and Boometrix officers regarding the P80.61-million Mahayhay-Tuburan Road project in Del Carmen, Surigao del Norte.
According to Clavano, the project has been declared complete by the DPWH officials, allowing Boometrix to collect full payment.
However, a site inspection conducted in April by the Office of the Ombudsman found it “only 65 to 70 percent accomplished.”
“The matter now proceeds to preliminary investigation,” Clavano said at a press conference. “No finding of guilt has been made at this stage.”
Aside from the proceedings at the Ombudsman, the agency’s investigators have notified the House committee on ethics and the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) regarding the complaints against Lalo Matugas, he added.
The respondents will soon be ordered to respond to the complaints, Clavano said.
There was no immediate reply from Representative Matugas when the Inquirer asked for comment.
But in a statement last year, when the ICI made the recommendation for the filing, the lawmaker maintained there were no records that would link him to any financial interest and contractual involvement in the project.
But Clavano on Friday said investigators have also documented P457.13 million in loans between the Matugases and Boometrix, which he said supports the conclusion that both father and son held direct pecuniary interests in the company.
Surigao del Norte Rep. Francisco “Lalo” Matugas and his son Francisco “Bingo” Matugas II are facing complaints for graft and malversation of public funds over an P80-million road project that allegedly remained unfinished yet reported on paper as complete, with the contractor already paid in full.
More than 200 personnel of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), including all regional directors, are under investigation over the alleged “slots for sale” scheme involving BFP recruitment, Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla said Friday.
In a press briefing held at Camp Crame, Remulla warned BFP personnel not to be involved further in criminal acts, such as racketeering schemes in recruitment and promotion inside the organization, as they will face the full extent of the law.
“I am warning all BFP officials to come out now and confess your misdeeds or we will run after you until your careers end,’’ Remulla said.
He also noted that those proven to have links to the scheme will be relieved of their posts.
“If the start of your career is marked with corruption, then there will be corruption throughout your career. So, we'll clean it up. This will be a massive purge,” Remulla told reporters.
He added that the BFP and the Philippine National Police (PNP) have yet to finalize how many “slot-selling” cases were being investigated.
This came after a recent police operation in Pampanga wherein a Senior Fire Officer (SFO) 1 assigned to the BFP - National Capital Region (NCR), was arrested after allegedly recruiting an applicant for a position in the BFP-Central Luzon in exchange for PHP500,000.
In the same press briefing, BFP officer in charge, Fire Chief Supt. Wilberto Rico Neil Kwan Tiu, said the implicated personnel had been relieved of her post and is now facing dismissal proceedings.
Kwan Tiu also said the fire bureau and the police arrested another SFO 1 in the Ilocos Region, who had recently been dismissed by the agency. He, however, did not provide details.
More than 200 personnel of the Bureau of Fire Protection, including all regional directors, are under investigation over the alleged “slots for sale” scheme involving BFP recruitment.
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