These cases were filed before the Office of the Ombudsman.
On Thursday, May 21, Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. led the filing of the complaints against several officials of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in Davao Occidental and private contractors.
This stems over alleged irregularities involving eight “ghost” Farm-to-Market Road (FMR) projects in Davao Occidental, which totalled to approximately PHP 94 million, according to the department.
The DA also alleges these individuals of corrupt practices, malversation, falsification of public documents, grave misconduct, and serious dishonesty.
One of the complaints disclosed a “ghost” FMR project in Barangay Caburan in Jose Abad Santos, which was allegedly paid in full at PHP 11.94 million despite not being implemented.
According to the complaint of the DA, the respondents falsified Statements of Work Accomplished (SWA), Certificates of Payment, and Disbursement Vouchers to make the project appear complete, thereby facilitating the release of public funds.
Another one was lodged over the Barangay Caburan Small FMR in Jose Abad Santos. The project, with a contract amount of PHPB11.92 million under the DA FMR Development Program.
It was allegedly falsely certified as complete, resulting in disbursement of government funds despite field validation by the DA-Internal Audit Service (IAS) showing that the project had not been implemented.
In other cases, which concern FMR projects in the villages of Culaman, Datu Danwata, Demoloc, Tical, and Manuel Peralta that have contract values ranging from PHP 10.02 million to PHP 14.92 million.
In each case, the DA alleges that respondents conspired to submit falsified SWAs, Certificates of Payment, Project Status Reports, and Disbursement Vouchers to make the projects appear completed, thereby securing payments for not implemented FMR projects.
“The complaints cite violations of the complex crime of malversation of public funds through falsification of public documents under Articles 217, 171 and 172 of the Revised Penal Code, in relation to Article 48 of the same Code; Section 3(e) of Republic Act 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act; and administrative offenses such as grave misconduct and serious dishonesty,” noted the Agriculture department.
The DA also told that the actions of the respondents caused undue injury to the government and granted unwarranted benefits to private contractors.
The alleged violations, according to the DA, carry penalties of imprisonment of up to 40 years, fines, and perpetual disqualification from holding public office.
“The DA remains committed to ensuring accountability and transparency in the use of public funds, particularly in programs intended to benefit our farmers and rural communities,” said Tiu Laurel in a statement, adding that its IAS and Inspectorate and Enforcement will continue investigations.
Specifically, they will look at the possible collusion between DA regional personnel and the DPWH officials and contractors charged in connection with the alleged ghost FMR projects, despite the filing of complaints.
“We will not stop until everyone involved in this corruption is held accountable for their crimes,” Tiu Laurel added.
The Agriculture department has also called on the Ombudsman to investigate and hold the responsible parties liable for alleged malfeasance and corruption.