Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Manuel Bonoan,
THE Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) has recommended criminal and administrative charges against former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) officials, including former secretary Manuel Bonoan, in connection with alleged anomalies in a P95 million flood control project in Bocaue, Bulacan.
The ICI’s recommendation stems from its investigation into a slope protection structure and waterways project in Brgy. Bambang, Bocaue, Bulacan, undertaken by a joint venture between Topnotch Catalyst Builders Inc. and Beam Team Developer Specialist Inc.
ICI Chairperson Andres Reyes, Jr. stated that a report endorsed by the Commission on Audit (COA) revealed that no structure was ever built at the location specified in the approved bid plans.
“The results of the COA technical inspection, together with the available records, clearly establish that the project was never constructed at the designated location in the Approved Bid Plans, thus, not implemented, despite the unwarranted release and full payment of the contract cost by the DPWH to Topnotch,” Reyes said.
The ICI is calling for the Ombudsman to file graft, malversation of public funds, falsification of public documents, and violation of procurement law charges against former DPWH officials Henry Alcantara and Brice Ericson Hernandez, as well as Jaime Hernandez, Ernesto Galang, John Carlo Rivera, John Michael Marcos, Claudine Magdalene Magsakay, Ericka Justine Chico, and Allan Payawal.
In addition, the ICI recommends administrative charges for grave misconduct, gross dishonesty, conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service, or violation of the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees against Manuel Bonoan, Roberto Bernardo, and Maria Catalina Cabral.
“Based on the Commission’s investigation, there exists sufficient factual and legal bases to recommend the filing of appropriate charges against, among others, these officials and private individuals who acted in concert and conspiracy with one another, and/or with gross neglect of duty,” the ICI interim report stated.
The ICI submitted its interim report to the Office of the Ombudsman on Thursday afternoon, urging the immediate initiation of charges to redress the injury inflicted upon the government and the public interest.
