ILOILO City — The Office of the Ombudsman has ordered at least 16 officials of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Region 6 and a contractor to respond to a graft complaint over infrastructure projects worth an estimated P40 billion from 2016 to 2024.
The order stemmed from a complaint filed by anti-corruption group Crimes and Corruption Watch International, Inc. (CCWI), represented by Dr. Carlomagno M. Batalla, accusing the officials of favoritism, violation of procurement laws, and ethical breaches in relation to contracts awarded to International Builders Corporation (IBC) — the contractor behind the controversial Ungka and Aganan flyovers in Iloilo.
The CCWI claims that in 2024 alone, IBC was awarded at least 26 infrastructure projects in Western Visayas despite issues hounding the Ungka and Aganan flyover construction. The group alleged violations of the Government Procurement Reform Act and the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees.
Based on the directive signed by Graft Investigation Officer Katherine A. Giamahawan on July 7, 2025, the following officials are required to submit their counter-affidavits and other evidence within 10 days:
* Sanny Boy O. Oropel – Regional Director, DPWH Region 6 (now retired)
* Gener J. Abergas – District Engineer, DPWH Aklan District Engineering Office (DEO)
* Robert S. Palmera – District Engineer, DPWH Iloilo 3rd DEO
* Randolfo A. Melosantos – District Engineer, DPWH Guimaras DEO
* Allan Rey R. Pajimna – District Engineer, DPWH Iloilo 2nd DEO
* Roy C. Pacanan – District Engineer, DPWH Iloilo City DEO
* Ethel Morales – District Engineer, DPWH Iloilo 1st DEO
* Bernadette Betsy B. Uy – District Engineer, DPWH Aklan DEO
* Mary Grace B. Bulaquina-Hachuela – Chairperson, Bids and Awards Committee, DPWH Region VI
* Marilou G. Zamora – Vice Chairperson, Bids and Awards Committee, DPWH Region VI
* Ormel G. Santos – Member, Bids and Awards Committee, DPWH Region VI
* Gladwyn D. Ledesma – Member, Bids and Awards Committee, DPWH Region VI
* Roland Rainier A. Victorino – Member, Bids and Awards Committee, DPWH Region VI
* Ricardo R. Gutierrez – Member, Bids and Awards Committee, DPWH Region VI
* International Builders Corporation (IBC) – Contractor of questioned projects
During a press conference in May, CCWI claimed that repeated awarding of public contracts to IBC raised serious red flags.
The Ombudsman warned that failure to submit counter-affidavits would be considered a waiver of the respondents’ right to respond, and that the investigation would proceed under existing rules. Motions to dismiss, for extension, or any dilatory pleadings are expressly prohibited under the order.
DPWH-6 REACTION
Reacting to the complaint, then Regional Director Oropel expressed surprise that nearly all top-ranking DPWH-6 officials were named respondents.
In an interview with Panay News, Oropel pointed out that this was not the first time such a case was filed.
“It is the same case nga gin-file niya kay Asec. Neri, the former DPWH-6 regional director including the BAC of DPWH-6 nga na-dismiss na sang Ombudsman. So the same lang na sia nga mga accusations nga against kay IBC. So, for me wala man kami naga-worry kay wala man kami sala nga nahimu sini,” he said.
Oropel said that should they be required to submit a formal reply, the DPWH-6 is ready.
“We are very optimistic kag nagapati gid kami nga eventually ma-dismiss man lang ni sia tungod nga ang the same nga substance nga gin-file nila kay former regional director or Asec. Neri including the BAC composition sa Region 6 na-dismiss naman to gani,” he added.
He admitted confusion as to why so many district engineers were included in the case.
He also clarified that he is not a member of the BAC and has no involvement in the bidding process.
“Head ko sang implementing unit but when it comes to bidding wala ko ya sang labot. Wala kami sang role,” he explained.
Furthermore, Oropel defended the BAC’s operations, stressing their transparency. He said bidding processes are conducted publicly and streamed live online, with no contractors being prohibited from participating.
“Any action made by BAC is their own action nga wala man labot ang head of the implementing unit,” he reiterated./PN
