ICI seeks raps vs Alcantara, Hernandez, others over ‘ghost’ project in Bocaue
Metro Manila, Philippines - The Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) recommended the filing of charges against former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) engineers and a government contractor for conspiring and neglecting their duty in relation to a P95-million “ghost” project in Bocaue, Bulacan.
The ICI submitted its interim report and recommendation to the Office of the Ombudsman on Thursday, Nov. 6, for “apparent illegalities and irregularities in the procurement, construction, and implementation” of the Slope Protection Structure and Waterways Project in the province.
Those recommended to be charged are:
+ former DPWH-Bulacan 1st district engineer Henry Alcantara
+ former DPWH-Bulacan 1st district assistant engineer Brice Hernandez
+ former DPWH-Bulacan 1st district maintenance section officer in charge Jaime Hernandez
+ former DPWH-Bulacan 1st district planning and design section chief Ernesto Galang
+ former project engineer John Carlo Rivera
+ former engineer John Michael Marcos
+ former engineer Claudine Magsakay
+ former engineer Ericka Chico
+ Allan Payawal of Topnotch Catalyst Builders
Based on the report, the Statement of Work Accomplished (SWA) stated that Topnotch completed the project in January this year. However, the ICI said the physical inspection showed the project was never implemented.
“Rendering any payment released to Topnotch in connection therewith unlawful and unjustified,” the ICI report noted.
The commission also found that the SWAs that were reviewed and approved by the DPWH officials “appear to have been falsified.”
“The identified DPWH officials, together with Topnotch, acted in conspiracy to facilitate the release of payment for the non-existent project resulting in undue injury to the government,” the ICI said.
The commission also recommended the administrative case filing against the former DPWH officials as well as former Public Works Secretary Manuel Bonoan and former Undersecretaries Roberto Bernardo and Maria Catalina Cabral for grave misconduct, gross dishonesty, conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service.
