3 officials tagged in permits scam

MANILA,  Philippines — The Presidential Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC) has filed graft complaints against three officials of the Department of Public Works and Highway (DPWH) and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) for the alleged issuance of permits and certifications for a flood-control project in Zambales.

PACC chair Greco Belgica identified the officials as DPWH Assistant Secretary Antonio Molano Jr., DENR Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) director Metodio Turbella and DENR-EMB regional director Lormelyn Claudio.

Belgica said the complaint stemmed from the Sto. Tomas-Maculcol River flood-control dredging project in Zambales.

—LEILA B. SALAVERRIA