DPWH-6 Officials Respond to Graft and Corruption Cases
ILOILO CITY – Officials from the Department of Public Works and Highways Region 6 (DPWH-6) have raised concerns over the recent filing of graft and corruption cases by the Crimes and Corruption Watch International Inc. (CCWII). They are questioning the motives behind the complaint, which centers on alleged contract rigging involving the Iloilo-based International Builders Corp. (IBC).
The graft and corruption cases were filed on April 21 before the Ombudsman. The complaint accuses certain DPWH-6 officials, including Regional Director Sonny Boy Oropel, of favoring IBC despite prior project delays and issues. These accusations have prompted a strong reaction from the DPWH-6 leadership.
“What’s the reason behind? What’s their real intent?” a DPWH-6 source said in a recent interview. The officials believe the filing was done with questionable intent and have criticized CCWII’s approach, especially regarding a press conference held in Manila last week.
Officials Allege Malicious Intent Behind the Complaint
DPWH-6 officials expressed disappointment over how CCWII Chairman Carlo Batalla used media platforms to publicize the complaint. According to a DPWH-6 statement, “It is just unfortunate that Mr. Batalla maliciously used the media platforms to get attention in his filing of the complaint to the gross prejudice of the undersigned and the office they represent, including the embarrassment the respective members of their families had suffered.”
The officials are now considering legal action against both Batalla and CCWII for allegedly damaging their reputations and that of the DPWH institution. They also claim that CCWII and Batalla have continued to “harass” them despite the Ombudsman previously dismissing similar complaints.
Background of Previous Ombudsman Rulings and Allegations
In 2024, the Ombudsman issued a joint resolution noting that CCWII failed to secure official documents to support its allegations against DPWH-6 officials. The current complaint names several other officials as respondents, including Roy Pacanan, Bernadette Betsy Uy, and Allan Rey Pajimna (retired), among others.
Despite the dismissal of past complaints, CCWII has persisted. In a separate interview, Batalla defended the filing, insisting they have a solid case backed by “600 pages” of evidence. He expressed confidence that the accused officials could face jail time.
Questions Surrounding the Complainant’s Background and Selective Claims
Interestingly, Batalla did not explain why CCWII neglected to file complaints related to two substandard flyovers in Iloilo valued at nearly P1 billion, for which IBC was the contractor. These omissions have raised questions within the public and local communities about the motives and credibility of CCWII and Batalla, whose name only recently gained attention in Iloilo and the Western Visayas region.
When asked about his background, Batalla directed inquiries to his online profile and highlighted his social program called “Batalla Cares,” which reportedly benefits marginalized communities in Panay Island.
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