Manila: The Office of the Ombudsman has taken legal action against several officials and private individuals involved in a PHP96.5 million ghost infrastructure project in Davao Occidental. The announcement, made on Friday, highlights the filing of criminal charges related to graft and malversation.

According to Philippines News Agency, Assistant Ombudsman Mico Clavano confirmed that charges will be filed against Cezarah Rowena Discaya and others at the Regional Trial Court of Digos City. The list of defendants includes District Engineer Rodrigo Larete, Assistant District Engineer Michael Awa, and several other officials from the DPWH Davao Occidental District Engineering Office. Also named is Ma. Roma Angeline Rimando of St. Timothy Construction Corporation. No bail has been recommended for those involved.

Clavano further stated that the implicated DPWH officials have been preventively suspended for six months. The Ombudsman accused the respondents of conspiring to release PHP96.5 million for a revetment project in Barangay Culaman, Jose Abad Santos, Davao Occidental, which was never actualized.

Assistant Ombudsman Clavano remarked that this case represents the second significant corruption case addressed by the Office this year. He assured the public of their commitment to pursue the matter independently and without bias, emphasizing that public funds should not be misappropriated for personal gain. Clavano concluded by stating that all individuals involved will be held accountable for their actions.