Flood Control Funds Funneled into Pockets? DPWH Officials Plead Not Guilty in Graft Case

Flood Control Funds Funneled into Pockets? DPWH Officials Plead Not Guilty in Graft Case

By Bing Jabadan and Wilma N. Yamzon – TheNATIONWEEK.Com | December 2, 2025

MANILA, Philippines – A web of alleged corruption within the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is slowly unraveling as high-ranking officials face scrutiny over a purportedly fraudulent flood control project in Oriental Mindoro.

Juliet Calvo, head of the DPWH Mimaropa maintenance division, pleaded not guilty to graft charges before the Sandiganbayan on Dec. 2, 2025, marking the latest development in a case that highlights potential systemic issues within the agency.

Calvo’s plea before the anti-graft court’s Fifth Division follows similar denials from eight other DPWH officials, who were previously detained and are implicated in the same alleged scheme.

These officials, including regional directors and division chiefs, entered their pleas the previous week.

Calvo secured her temporary release by posting a P90,000 cash bond.

The case underscores a growing concern over the misuse of public funds allocated for crucial infrastructure projects.

The alleged fraud raises serious questions about oversight and accountability within the DPWH, particularly in the Mimaropa region.

A Who’s Who of Accused Officials:

The list of implicated officials reads like a directory of the DPWH Mimaropa’s leadership, suggesting a potentially widespread network of corruption.

Among those who have already pleaded not guilty are:

• Dennis Pelo Abagon: OIC-chief of the DPWH Mimaropa Quality Assurance and Hydrology Division; current OIC-chief of the Planning and Design Division.

• Gerald A. Pacanan: DPWH Mimaropa regional director.

• Gene Ryan Alurin Altea: Assistant regional director, now director at DPWH Bureau of Maintenance.

• Ruben delos Santos Santos Jr.: Assistant regional director.

• *Dominic Gregorio Serrano: Chief of the DPWH Mimaropa Construction Division.

• Felisardo Sevare Casuno: Project engineer III.

• Lerma Dotado Cayco: Member of the DPWH Mimaropa Bidding and Awards Committee.

• Engr. Montrexis Tamayo: OIC of the DPWH Mimaropa Planning and Design Division.

These officials remain in government custody while facing serious allegations that further fuel public distrust.

They are scheduled for another arraignment before the Sixth Division of the anti-graft court to answer malversation charges, adding another layer to the complex legal battle.

The Bigger Picture: Systemic Corruption and the Cost to the Public

The case is not an isolated incident.

As highlighted in our featured stories, the Philippines continues to grapple with issues of corruption within its government.

The alleged irregularities in the flood control project raise critical questions: Where did the funds go? Were corners cut, leaving communities vulnerable to flooding? Who ultimately benefited from this alleged scheme?

The outcome of this case will be closely watched as it could set a precedent for future investigations into alleged corruption within the DPWH and other government agencies.

The public deserves answers and assurance that those entrusted with managing public funds are held accountable for their actions.

The fight against corruption is a fight for a more equitable and prosperous future for all Filipinos.