I WAS IN Iloilo City, and later in Guimaras Island, when news broke out about the graft complaints filed before the Office of the Ombudsman in Quezon City against top officials of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in Western Visayas and its Bids and Awards Committee (BAC).
The news sent shockwaves through the Ilonggo and Negrense communities.
Why the uproar?
First, one of the entities implicated in the complaint is the International Builders Corporation (IBC), a company whose owners — the Tans — are highly respected in Iloilo.
Second, the DPWH-Western Visayas regional director named as respondent No. 1 in the complaint is Engr. Sanny Boy Oropel, a native of Bacolod.
The complainant? Carlomagno Batalla, chairperson of the Crime and Corruption Watch International (CCWI).
The complaint was documented in a 30-page affidavit, bolstered by more than 600 pages of attachments.
Batalla, together with Margaretta Fernandez and Millicent Ang-Espina, accused the respondents of violating the following:
* Government Procurement Reform Act
* Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act
* Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees
At the core of the issue is the allegation that DPWH-Western Visayas favored IBC, allowing it to corner some ₱3.2 billion worth of contracts last year despite delays and issues in previous projects, including the controversial Ungka and Aganan Flyovers. These, however, remain allegations — unproven, at least for now.
Motive?
I know Oropel personally. So while in my hotel room in Iloilo City, I called him to ask: What happened? What went wrong?
He was calm, composed, and sharp in answering every question I threw his way. I sensed candor — as if he was ready to bare everything about the issue that dragged him and his agency into controversy.
According to him, behind the complaint is an ulterior motive.
This wasn’t the first time CCWI charged DPWH-Western Visayas. Oropel said that during the term of then-regional director Nerie Bueno, CCWI also filed nearly identical complaints, which were eventually dismissed by the Ombudsman in 2023.
Oropel vowed to make an exposé soon, and in the proper forum.
Will it be explosive? He promised: yes.
He regards the complaint as merely an added jab in an already difficult bout — one he’s prepared to counter with a powerful uppercut.
‘It’s My Duty’
In a Zoom press conference on May 22, Batalla asserted, “It’s my duty as a Filipino citizen to file charges against DPWH-Western Visayas officials and IBC.”
Why?
Because CCWI, a nationally accredited anti-corruption watchdog, operates on a nationwide scale — and Western Visayas falls within its jurisdiction.
He cited transactions between the DPWH-Western Visayas BAC and IBC, and criticized the regional office’s failure to impose sanctions on IBC under Section 99 of the Government Procurement Reform Act.
Tricky and Complicated
The complaint is now before the Ombudsman, the only body that can resolve it.
The case is tricky and complicated — its narrative difficult to untangle.
The essential question remains: Does it have merit?
It’s a rare privilege to hear both sides. Batalla is a self-proclaimed crusader. Oropel is a public official.
The matter boils down to accountability: was it overlooked, and if so, does that constitute a culpable violation on the part of DPWH-Western Visayas?
Honesty as a Weapon
The complaint is serious, no doubt. But Oropel may be armed with the best defense — his “gloves” made of unyielding honesty, ready to jab at CCWI’s accusations.
In Bacolod, Oropel enjoys high regard. That’s why it’s no surprise to see him brimming with quiet confidence, believing he can overcome this challenge through sheer integrity.
He only assumed the role of regional director in August last year. Batalla’s complaints, however, appear to span all of 2024.
Oropel appears unfazed. In his words, he’s “more than ready” to take on this new challenge.
The Burden of Proof
Now, the burden of proof rests on CCWI. Batalla must prove that his accusations are rooted in public interest — not in malice. He must also present solid evidence to substantiate his claims.
Moreover, Batalla would do well to ensure that no hidden hand is pushing him to act against any of the respondents out of personal vendetta or political maneuvering.
This crusade is no joke — it’s heavy with consequence. But it may all be for nothing if it turns out to be a farce.
CCWI would do well to heed this timeless truth: Karma brings justice — not revenge.
Nothing to Worry About?
As for Oropel and the other respondents — if they truly have nothing to hide, then they have nothing to fear. Yes, being the subject of an Ombudsman complaint is no small matter. But they can find solace in the words of Mahatma Gandhi: “Truth never damages a cause that is just.”
They may feel aggrieved today. But who knows? Tomorrow, they could emerge as vindicated champions of truth./PN
