NBI refers graft charges against Davao flood project officials to DOJ

The National Bureau of Investigation on Tuesday forwarded graft complaint recommendations to the Department of Justice targeting public works officials and officers of a construction company involved in P7 billion worth of flood control projects in Davao City between 2018 and 2024.

NBI Director Melvin Matibag confirmed the agency had completed its investigation and submitted findings to DOJ prosecutors for review and potential filing of formal charges. The probe examined how a single contractor was able to secure the bulk of flood mitigation work during the six-year period.

The investigation focused on whether proper bidding procedures were followed and if there were irregularities in the award and implementation of the flood control contracts. Authorities are examining the roles of government officials who approved and oversaw the projects as well as company representatives involved in securing the contracts.

The DOJ will now determine whether sufficient evidence exists to proceed with filing formal graft charges against the individuals implicated in the investigation. If charges are filed, the case would likely proceed through the Sandiganbayan, the court with jurisdiction over corruption cases involving government officials.