20 Respondents Face DOJ Probe Over Balamban Flood Control Projects

The Department of Justice (DOJ) has launched a preliminary investigation into 20 individuals, most of whom are officials and employees of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), over alleged irregularities involving two flood control projects in Cebu’s Third District.

DOJ spokesperson lawyer Polo Martinez announced during a press briefing that the National Prosecution Service (NPS) received criminal complaints filed by the National Bureau of Investigation-Cebu District Office (NBI-CEBDO) on July 29.

According to Martinez, the complaints stem from the implementation of two flood control projects in Barangay Singsing, Balamban, Cebu, which investigators believe may have involved irregularities.

Among those named in the complaints are DPWH Cebu Third District officials and personnel, along with several private individuals allegedly connected to the projects.

The respondents are facing complaints for technical malversation, malversation of public funds, violation of Republic Act No. 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, perjury, falsification of public documents, and violation of the Government Procurement Reform Act.

Martinez emphasized that the case remains at the preliminary investigation stage and that the filing of complaints does not constitute a finding of guilt.

“The DOJ wishes to stress that these are complaints for purposes of preliminary investigation as of this stage. No conclusion or finding has been made yet. Every respondent will be given the opportunity to submit a counter affidavit and counter evidence against him/her,” said Martinez.

During the preliminary investigation, prosecutors will evaluate the evidence submitted by the complainants alongside the responses and supporting documents that will be filed by the respondents. The process will determine whether there is sufficient basis to file formal charges in court.

The DOJ said the investigation is part of the government’s broader campaign to scrutinize allegedly anomalous flood control projects across the country.

Authorities have not yet released additional details regarding the specific findings of the NBI investigation or identified the individual respondents publicly.

The outcome of the preliminary investigation will determine whether the complaints will proceed to prosecution before the appropriate courts. Meanwhile, all respondents will be afforded due process as the DOJ continues its evaluation of the evidence submitted by both parties.