MANILA — Seven people linked to a major flood‑control corruption scandal are now in government custody, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. announced Monday.
According to Marcos, one suspect was arrested by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) while six others voluntarily surrendered to the PNP–CIDG (Philippine National Police – Criminal Investigation and Detection Group).
Who Are the Accused?
Among those detained are officials from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), particularly from the MIMAROPA region:
- Gerald Pacanan, Regional Director, DPWH MIMAROPA
- Gene Ryan Altea, DPWH Bureau of Maintenance Director
- Ruben Santos, Assistant Regional Director, DPWH MIMAROPA
- Dominic Serrano, Chief of Construction, DPWH MIMAROPA
- Felisardo Casuno, Project Engineer, DPWH MIMAROPA
- Juliet Cabungan, Maintenance Division, DPWH MIMAROPA
- The NBI‑arrested suspect is Dennis Abagon, an engineer in the DPWH MIMAROPA office.
What’s at Stake
- The arrest warrants were issued by the Sandiganbayan, the Philippines’ anti-graft court, in a case involving graft and malversation tied to flood control projects.
- The scandal centers on a P289.5-million dike project in Naujan, Oriental Mindoro, which authorities say was overcharged or poorly executed.
- Marcos warned those still at large — including former Ako Bicol Rep. Zaldy Co — to surrender, and threatened legal consequences for anyone harboring the fugitives.
- He emphasized that there will be no special treatment for the detainees, affirming they will remain in NBI custody pending further court orders.
Government Response & Next Steps
- Marcos reiterated his commitment to continuing the crackdown: “Hindi kami titigil, hindi kami hihinto.”
- Officials from multiple agencies, including the Independent Commission on Infrastructure (ICI), the Ombudsman, and the Commission on Audit, have launched broader investigations into flood control projects.
- Public pressure remains high. Protesters have called for more accountability amid accusations of “ghost” and substandard flood control projects.
This marks a significant development in the government’s anti‑graft campaign. The public and civil society will likely continue to closely monitor how the legal process unfolds for these accused officials.
