Politics · Philippines Bureau
Surigao del Norte lawmaker, son face graft charges over unfinished road project
A congressman and his son from Surigao del Norte are under investigation for alleged graft and misappropriation of public funds related to an P80-million road development project that was reported complete but remained unfinished.
LSN Philippines ·
MANILA — Surigao del Norte Representative Francisco "Lalo" Matugas and his son Francisco "Bingo" Matugas II are facing complaints of graft and malversation of public funds over a controversial P80-million road infrastructure project, authorities said.
According to officials, the road project was allegedly reported as finished and fully completed in documentation, despite remaining unfinished on the ground. The contractor received full payment for the project despite the discrepancy between reported and actual work completion.
The investigation centers on the apparent misrepresentation of project status and the release of public funds without corresponding work completion. The case highlights ongoing concerns about infrastructure project accountability and fund management in the region.
The complaints were filed against both the senior lawmaker and his son, with authorities now conducting a formal inquiry into the matter. No further details regarding the specific location or timeline of the alleged irregularities were immediately available.