P5.2 B Gov’t Officials, Contractors’ Assets Frozen as DPWH Corruption Probe Widens

Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla

P5.2 B Gov’t Officials, Contractors’ Assets Frozen as DPWH Corruption Probe Widens

By Bing Jabadan – TheNationWeek.Com | October 24, 2025

MANILA, Philippines — A sweeping investigation into alleged corruption within the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has led to the freezing of ₱5.2 billion in assets linked to government officials and contractors implicated in the flood control scandal.

The Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) announced the seizure, signaling a major escalation in the government’s efforts to combat graft within the agency.

The DPWH has already filed graft and malversation complaints with the Office of the Ombudsman against 20 government officials and two contractors, alleging irregularities in flood control projects in La Union and Davao Occidental.

The projects, worth millions of pesos, are suspected of being substandard or outright “ghost projects.”

Massive Asset Freeze

The AMLC has secured six freeze orders from the Court of Appeals, covering nearly 2,000 bank accounts.

AMLC Executive Director Matthew David anticipates the total value of frozen assets will increase as investigations continue.

Targeted Officials and Contractors

The DPWH complaints name 12 officials and Silverwolves Construction Corp. in connection with an allegedly substandard ₱89.7-million project in La Union.

In Davao Occidental, eight DPWH officials and St. Timothy Construction Corp. are accused of involvement in “ghost projects” valued at ₱179.5 million.

Lawmakers Under Scrutiny

Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla identified brothers Benguet Rep. Eric Yap and ACT-CIS Party-list Rep. Edvic Yap as “persons of interest” in the probe, alleging potential beneficial ownership of Silverwolves Construction Corporation and suspicious financial transactions.

Bulacan 6th District Rep. Salvador Pleyto and Davao Occidental Rep. Claude Bautista are also under investigation for alleged links to construction firms and illicit fund transfers.

Ombudsman Action

The Ombudsman is expected to issue subpoenas to those implicated, requiring them to submit counter-affidavits.

Dismissal orders against implicated officials are also expected.

DPWH Vows Continued Investigation

DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon emphasized that the investigation is ongoing and could implicate individuals both within and outside the department.

“As we gather evidence and testimonies, higher-ranking officials and those outside the department could face charges,” Dizon stated.

Information Sharing Agreement

The AMLC and DPWH have signed a memorandum of agreement to institutionalize information-sharing and collaboration to expedite the recovery of stolen funds from anomalous infrastructure projects.

Fire Incident Raises Concerns

A recent fire at the DPWH Bureau of Research and Standards building sparked concerns about potential evidence tampering.

However, Secretary Dizon assured the public that no documents related to the flood control probe were destroyed, as backup copies are available.

Securing Evidence

The DPWH has directed all district engineering offices and regional offices to make digital and hard copies of vital documents on flood control projects, ensuring their security and preservation.

The agency has also enlisted the help of the Philippine National Police, Armed Forces of the Philippines, and cybersecurity experts to protect its data and facilities.

The flood control scandal has sent shockwaves through the DPWH, prompting a comprehensive review of infrastructure projects and a renewed commitment to transparency and accountability.

As the investigation progresses, more revelations are expected, potentially leading to further charges and asset seizures.

The outcome of the probe could have significant implications for the future of infrastructure development and anti-corruption efforts in the Philippines.