NBI recommends raps vs DPWH officials, firm over Davao City flood control projects

MANILA — The National Bureau of Investigation has recommended the filing of criminal charges against 12 personnel of the Department of Public Works and Highways and Genesis88 Construction Inc. over alleged irregularities in flood control projects in Davao City.

In a referral submitted to the Department of Justice, the NBI recommended further investigation into four cases involving projects handled by the DPWH Davao City District Engineering Office and awarded to Genesis88.

Those named in the referral included district engineers, other DPWH personnel, the owner of Genesis88, and several of its employees. 

The recommended charges include falsification by a public officer under Article 171 of the Revised Penal Code and violation of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.

The complaints were transmitted to Prosecutor General Richard Anthony Fadullon for evaluation and preliminary investigation.

The cases stemmed from the bureau’s wider investigation into flood control projects in the Davao City’s First District, represented by Rep. Paolo “Pulong” Duterte.

NBI Director Melvin Matibag earlier said the bureau initially flagged 47 of 100 projects for possible irregularities, including suspected ghost or substandard projects.

The initial investigation focused on projects worth around P1.9 billion that were reportedly awarded to a single contractor, Genesis88. The bureau later expanded its review to projects worth around P7 billion covering the period from 2018 to 2024.

Investigators are also examining a project site that was reportedly funded five times under different project titles but carried the same coordinates.

As part of the investigation, the DPWH Region XI submitted 10 boxes of documents to the NBI in September. Regional Director Juby Cordon appeared before investigators after being subpoenaed.

Matibag said the bureau’s investigation was intended to establish whether public funds were misused and determine whether criminal charges were warranted.

Meanwhile, Duterte called for evidence of actual wrongdoing, including overpricing, ghost projects, substandard construction, kickbacks, or the theft of public funds. He cautioned against what he described as trial by publicity, saying those implicated should be held accountable if evidence establishes wrongdoing.

The NBI’s recommendation now awaits evaluation by the DOJ, which will determine the appropriate next steps in the preliminary investigation. The respondents will have the opportunity to answer the allegations.