THE UNRAVELING WEB: BILLIONS IN DPWH FUNDS AT THE HEART OF A SCANDAL EXPOSURE

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), an institution pivotal to national development and infrastructure, finds itself embroiled in a deepening corruption scandal that threatens to shake the foundations of public trust. What began as whispers of malfeasance has now erupted into a full-blown investigation, implicating high-ranking officials and casting a long shadow over the very individuals tasked with safeguarding public funds. At the epicenter of this brewing storm is an explosive revelation suggesting that former Ombudsman Samuel Martirez, far from being a bulwark against corruption, may have inadvertently—or perhaps complicitly—allowed it to fester within the DPWH.

The narrative of this intricate web of alleged corruption was brought to light by a courageous source who voluntarily approached the Billionaire News Channel. This source, whose identity remains protected for security reasons, detailed a long-standing pattern of contract rigging involving members of Congress, complaints which, alarmingly, reportedly fell on deaf ears at the Ombudsman’s office. The critical question now echoing through the corridors of power and public discourse is: why did it take so long for these multi-billion-peso allegations to surface? What exactly was the Ombudsman doing during this period, and why was swift action not taken earlier?

Dr. John Chong, President of the Anti-Corruption NGO Task Force Kasanag, is at the forefront of this exposé, unequivocally asserting that former Ombudsman Samuel Martirez is among the key reasons why corruption within the DPWH seemingly exploded. Chong’s claims are not new; he alleges that long before the now-infamous flood control scandal dominated headlines, corruption was already rampant within the department. His organization had reportedly approached the Office of the Ombudsman as early as 2022, filing a complaint against influential figures including Benguet Representative and House Committee on Appropriations Chairperson Eric Yap, Ako Bicol Partylist Representative Zaldi Co, and CWS Representative Edwin Guardiola.

The core of Chong’s 2022 complaint centered on a staggering amount: over Php50 billion worth of DPWH projects allegedly cornered by these three congressmen in 2021 alone. Yet, according to Chong, their detailed allegations were seemingly set aside by former Ombudsman Samuel Martirez. This alleged inaction raises serious questions about the accountability mechanisms in place and whether oversight bodies were performing their duties diligently. “What kind of Ombudsman were Martirez and his colleagues at the time?” Chong queries, his frustration palpable. “Why did they allow this flood of corruption to swell, leading to the squandering of hundreds of billions? Shouldn’t the Ombudsman be held accountable? Shouldn’t the CoA (Commission on Audit) be held accountable?”

Chong emphatically states that they had filed a formal request with the Ombudsman, seeking assistance for a fact-finding mission. “Sir Ombudsman, I, the Task Force Kasanag, need your help for fact-finding. We are not investigators. If we go there, we might get shot by contractors. Congressmen are there, you know.” This plea underscores the gravity of the situation and the perceived dangers faced by those attempting to uncover the truth.

According to a letter submitted by Chong to the Ombudsman in 2022, a company named Earth Yard Corporation was identified as a key player. The letter alleged that this company, whose stockholder was purportedly a congressman, was an importer and supplier of unpatented or even fake materials from China, based on their investigations and supporting documents. The implications of such a claim are profound, suggesting a deliberate attempt to cut corners and maximize profits at the expense of quality and public safety.

Further unraveling the complex web, the letter detailed that Earthyard was the primary supplier of materials for the majority of the alleged flood protection projects that were awarded to Fesco Incorporated. Fesco Incorporated, Chong asserts, is owned by a certain Robert Inson, who is reportedly the husband of Effy Vanessa Yap Inson, sister of Congressman Eric Yap. Effy Vanessa Yap Inson had also previously run as the fifth nominee of the Ax Ciselist in 2022. This alleged familial link points to a potential conflict of interest and raises red flags about the fairness and transparency of the bidding process for these multi-billion-peso projects.

Chong’s 2022 letter further claimed that the majority of the budget allocated for the 2021 flood protection projects was distributed among Yap, Co, and Guardiola. It was also alleged that these three congressmen would then sell the contracts to other contractors, reportedly at a 30% cut. Such a practice, if proven true, would represent a direct violation of procurement laws and a gross misuse of public funds intended for vital infrastructure.

During the investigation, the Billionaire News Channel attempted to solicit comments from the three congressmen implicated in Chong’s allegations. However, as of the latest update, no responses have been received. The BNC also sought clarification on certain aspects of Chong’s claims. Their analysis revealed that Congressman Guardiola only began serving in the House as a representative of the CWS party list in 2022. This discrepancy prompted the BNC to seek further context, as the allegations pertain to projects from 2021.

When confronted with the allegations, former Ombudsman Samuel Martirez stated that he was not aware of the complaint submitted by Dr. Chong to his office in 2022. This denial, if accurate, raises further questions about internal communication and the processing of complaints within the Ombudsman’s office during his tenure. Was the complaint lost, overlooked, or intentionally disregarded? These are critical questions that demand thorough investigation.

Currently, the three congressmen named in Chong’s allegations are under intense scrutiny. President Bongbong Marcos has recently confirmed that the assets of Congressman Eric Yap and his brother, ACIS Representative Edvick Yap, have been frozen, signaling a serious turn in the investigation. Congressman Co is reportedly being pursued by authorities and is considered a key figure in the DPWH corruption under the Marcos Jr. administration. Meanwhile, Congressman Guardiola is among the first batch of individuals designated as “contractors” who have been charged by the Office of the Ombudsman by the IIC (Inter-Agency Anti-Graft Coordinating Council) and DPWH for alleged violations of the prohibited interest law.

The unfolding events paint a grim picture of systemic corruption, where public office may have been allegedly used as a conduit for personal enrichment. The public awaits a comprehensive and transparent investigation, hoping that justice will be served and that mechanisms will be put in place to prevent such alleged abuses from recurring. The stakes are high, not just for the individuals involved, but for the integrity of the nation’s governance and the trust of its citizens in their elected officials and public institutions. The full extent of this alleged scandal, and the consequences for those found responsible, are still being unraveled, promising further dramatic developments.