ICI submits first report, flags Oriental Mindoro flood control project

Photo taken earlier this month shows President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.announcing the formation of the Independent Commission for Infrastructure following the alleged anomalies in the flood control projects in the country. (INQUIRER/ MARIANNE BERMUDEZ)

MANILA, Philippines — The Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) has submitted its first-ever interim report to the Office of the Ombudsman, flagging possible anomalies in a P289.5-million flood control project in Oriental Mindoro.

In a 32-page report lodged on Monday, the ICI members urged the anti-graft body to determine appropriate charges to be filed against 18 public officials, including Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Elizaldy Co, in relation to the alleged irregularities plaguing the P289.5-million flood control project in Naujan, Oriental Mindoro. 

The project was implemented by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Region IV-B (Mimaropa) through contractor Sunwest, Inc.

It involves the construction of a road dike along the Mag-Asawang Tubig River.

The ICI specifically urged the Ombudsman to determine whether the following violations were committed by Co and 17 others:  Violation of Sections 3 (e), (g) and (h) of Republic Act No. 3019, or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act; Malversation of Public Funds (Article 217) of the Revised Penal Code in relation to Article 171 of the Revised Penal Code (Falsification of Public Documents by a Public Officer) Violations of the Government Procurement Reform Act (Republic Act No. 9184)

The recommendation also includes administrative charges for possible violations of Sections 4(a), 7(a), and (b) of the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees and other potential violations of Civil Service Rules and Regulations.

“It was observed that the steel sheet piles installed measured only about 2.5 to 3 meters in length, despite the contract’s Detailed Engineering Design requiring 12-meter piles. If applied across the project, this discrepancy could potentially result in public losses estimated at over P63 million,” the ICI media briefer stated.

The Commission also noted “apparent deficiencies” in documentation supporting progress billings, with several payments approved despite missing records.

In some instances, identical photographs were allegedly reused to justify separate billings, raising concerns about lapses in project verification.

ICI further flagged certifications by DPWH officials attesting to compliance with specifications and workmanship, saying these “appear questionable and require further investigation.”

The report also cited records linking Sunwest, Inc. to former House appropriations chair Co, who was previously reported to have business interests in the firm.

The commission, however, stressed that more evidence is needed “to establish any definitive connection.”

Aside from Co, ICI named 17 other individuals as persons potentially responsible for the irregularities in the Oriental Mindoro project. /gsg