World · Philippines Bureau
Six DPWH officials charged in P491-million road rights scam
The Office of the Ombudsman has filed graft and malversation charges against six former Department of Public Works and Highways officials over an irregular land acquisition deal worth at least P491 million in General Santos City.
LSN Philippines ·
MANILA — The Ombudsman's office moved Tuesday to prosecute six former DPWH officials before the Sandiganbayan over allegations they mishandled the acquisition of road right-of-way properties in General Santos City valued at a minimum of P491 million. The charges include graft and malversation of public funds in connection with the irregular procurement process. Investigators determined the transactions deviated from standard procurement procedures, raising questions about how the substantial government funds were managed during the acquisition phase. The case adds to ongoing scrutiny of large infrastructure spending within the public works agency, where financial irregularities have repeatedly drawn official attention. The Sandiganbayan will now determine whether sufficient evidence exists to proceed with criminal prosecution of the implicated officials.