Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon, together with the Commission on Audit (COA) Chairperson Gamaliel Cordoba, submitted fraud audit reports before the Office of the Ombudsman on Monday, September 8, against five allegedly anomalous flood control projects implemented by DPWH Bulacan’s 1st District Engineering Office.

The audit reports cite irregularities in projects implemented by three contractors, such as: St. Timothy Construction Corporation, Wawao Builders, and Syms Construction Trading, which were flagged for “ghost” and incomplete projects.

Several DPWH engineers were also named in the COA findings and could face liability.

According to COA, the submitted documents will serve as the basis for the Ombudsman to pursue both administrative and criminal charges against the involved parties.

Dizon earlier emphasized the department’s commitment to accountability, noting that contractors and officials proven to have engaged in anomalous practices will be held responsible.

As part of internal measures, DPWH has already imposed sanctions on officials implicated in the controversy. Dizon said DPWH-Bulacan 1st District Engineer Paul Jayson Duya has likewise been dismissed and now faces a separate case.

“Dismissed automatic. Ngayon may bago na naman... si Engineer Paul Jayson Duya...dismissed na ‘yan. May proseso. In the next few days, ia-announce ko na yung official dismissal ni Hernandez at ni Mendoza. Ngayon, finile na ng kaso si Engineer Paul. Hindi tayo hihinto dito. Tuloy-tuloy,” Dizon said.

DPWH-Bulacan First District Engineering Office were District Engineer Duya, Henry Alcantara, Assistant District Engineer Brice Ericson Hernandez, and Construction Section Chief Jaypee Mendoza.

The Ombudsman is expected to begin its evaluation of the audit findings and determine whether to file formal cases.