DPWH Officials Face New Graft and Corruption Charges
ILOILO CITY – The Department of Public Works and Highways-6 (Western Visayas) is once again under scrutiny as graft and corruption charges were recently filed against its officials. These complaints, described as recycled by insiders, have reignited discussions about transparency and accountability within the agency.
The graft and corruption charges filed by the Crimes and Corruption Watch International Inc. (CCWII) target several DPWH-6 officials, including Director Sonny Boy Oropel and multiple district engineers. This development follows a previous complaint that was dismissed by the Ombudsman.
“A previous complaint was dismissed. Is this group trying to harass and embarrass us?” Oropel questioned on May 22, the day after the CCWII submitted the new charges. The complaints allege favoritism toward contractor International Builders Corp. (IBC) in awarding projects, a claim that DPWH-6 officials deny.
Details on the Allegations and Respondents
The new complaints list several DPWH-6 personnel as respondents. Aside from Director Oropel, the accused include Bids and Awards Committee Chairperson Mary Grace Bulaquina-Hachuela, Vice Chairperson Marilou Zamora, and members Ormel Santos, Gladwyn Ledesma, Roland Victorino, and Ricardo Gutierrez. Several district engineers, such as Roy Pacanan, Bernadette Betsy Uy, Allan Rey Pajimna, Randolfo Melosantos, and Robert Palmera, are also named.
According to sources familiar with the case, the CCWII has intensified its allegations by including IBC as a respondent this time. Previously, the complaint only referenced projects involving the contractor but did not name the company directly.
Response and Outlook from DPWH-6 Officials
Oropel and his team are currently waiting for a copy of the latest complaint to prepare their formal response. They remain confident that the Ombudsman will dismiss the charges, similar to the outcome of the 2022 case filed during the tenure of a former regional director.
“The difference is that CCWII included IBC as a respondent in its complaint. Last time, the allegations only mentioned projects of IBC,” Oropel explained. He emphasized their commitment to addressing the accusations transparently.
Local experts suggest that these recurring complaints could be attempts to undermine the agency’s operations. Meanwhile, community leaders stress the importance of due process and thorough investigations to uphold public trust.
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