Ombudsman recommends graft, malversation charges vs. Surigao del Norte solons

Metro Manila, Philippines – The Office of the Ombudsman has recommended graft and malversation charges against Surigao del Norte lawmakers, in relation to an alleged incomplete public works project, citing “pecuniary” interests with the contractor.

On Friday, Aug. 28, the graft-buster announced criminal and administrative complaints against Surigao del Norte 1st district Rep. Lalo Matugas and his son, Bingo Matugas, who previously held the post.

Assistant Ombudsman Mico Clavano said the issue stemmed from an ₱80.61-million road project in Del Carmen, Surigao del Norte, which was paid in full but allegedly remained incomplete.

He noted that upon site inspection in April 2026, only 70 percent of the project was accomplished. 

Investigators also documented over  ₱457 million in loans between the legislators and the contractor, Boometrix Development Corporation, which the ombudsman said supports the conclusion that they both held direct pecuniary interests in the company.

Clavano said the complaint also covered personalities linked to Boometrix, as well as unnamed public works officials.

“The findings here show meron silang pecuniary or financial interests doon sa mga kontrata na napondohan ng Kongreso. Ito ang sinasabi nating conflict of interest…prohibited ho ‘yan sa Constitution,” he said.

[Translation: The findings here show that they have pecuniary or financial interests in the contracts funded by Congress. This is what we call a conflict of interest, which is prohibited under the Constitution.]

Clavano said the older Matugas is one of the identified “cong-tractors” by investigators, a moniker for congressional members who have links to construction firms bagging infrastructure projects. 

The two are the latest House members facing complaints before the ombudsman, after the office announced investigations into a number of supposed “cong-tractors.”

Clavano said the complaint for the older Matugas will also be referred to the House committee on ethics.

The complaint will undergo preliminary investigation, a key stage where investigators assess whether there is sufficient evidence to file the case in court.

NewsWatch Plus has tried to reach out to Matugas.