Former DPWH official Juliet Calvo, who faces charges over a P289.5-million dike project, will be returned to jail even after suffering a stroke

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Nakatakdang inspeksyunin muli ngayong araw ni Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon ang isinasagawang

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Former DPWH official Juliet Calvo, who faces charges over a P289.5-million dike project, will be returned to jail even after suffering a stroke

Manuel Bonoan has resigned as secretary of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), the Presidential Communications Office announced on Sunday.

The Sandiganbayan, the anti-graft court, has rejected the request for house arrest of Juliet Calvo, a former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) official, who is charged with corruption alongside fugitive former lawmaker Zaldy Co. Calvo, who suffered a stroke while in custody, had requested to serve her detention at home for better medical care and to alleviate financial strain from hospital bills. The court, however, ruled that the Quezon City Jail-Female Dormitory can provide adequate medical support, including nursing care and prescribed medications, and ordered her to remain in jail after her hospital stay. Calvo, former head of the maintenance division of the DPWH in the Calabarzon region, faces charges of malversation of public funds related to a P289.5-million infrastructure project in Oriental Mindoro. The project involved the construction of a road dike along the Mag-Asawang Tubig River in Tagumpay, Naujan. Her lawyers argued that home detention would allow her to receive care from relatives and private medical professionals, while also reducing the financial burden of hospital expenses. Prosecutors agreed that Calvo should remain hospitalized for now but opposed transferring her custody to her home. Jail Chief Inspector Aubrey Gutierrez stated that the jail has medical facilities capable of providing care for a stroke patient, citing a previous case where a bedridden inmate with a stroke was successfully cared for. The court relied on this information when denying Calvo's request. Calvo was taken to the Quezon Memorial Medical Center on August 5 after suffering a stroke, later transferred to The Medical City, and then to the Philippine Heart Center. Her physician, Anthony Lontoc, reported that there was no assurance she would fully recover the ability to walk or speak normally, and it was unclear if she would be able to eat or manage personal needs without assistance. The Sandiganbayan's 6th Division issued its decision on September 10, granting Calvo 30 days of continued confinement at the Philippine Heart Center from September 11, with her return to the Quezon City Jail-Female Dormitory scheduled for October 11. This case is part of a larger investigation into alleged irregularities in flood control projects in Oriental Mindoro, with multiple DPWH officials already arrested in connection with the scandal. The court's decision reflects the legal system's prioritization of custody over medical convenience in cases involving corruption charges, even when health conditions are severe.

Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon explained the P11.49-billion increase in the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) budget for 2027, which was recommended by the Budget Amendments Review Sub-Committee (BARSC) of the House Committee on Appropriations. The additional funding aims to support infrastructure projects that have completed necessary documentation, including local roads and flood mitigation initiatives. Dizon clarified that some projects were initially excluded from the original P643.95-billion DPWH budget proposal due to incomplete compliance with documentary and implementation requirements. He emphasized that all projects must undergo strict screening and meet agency requirements before funding, including inclusion in local government unit (LGU) master plans and river basin plans, particularly for flood mitigation projects. The BARSC approved the additional P11.49 billion, with over half allocated to national road projects. However, ACT Teachers Representative Antonio Tinio criticized the budget amendments, noting that P77.86 billion in 'pork-type' amendments accounted for 67% of the total P116.32 billion in approved amendments. Tinio argued that these amendments merely repackaged pork barrel spending under institutional amendments, local government support, and infrastructure lump sums. He also highlighted the lack of additional funding for PERA (Personnel Economic Relief Allowance), teacher pay increases, and DepEd's ARAL program, which received only P350 million instead of the requested P6.61 billion. Tinio called for full disclosure of project lists, proponents, allocation criteria, and funding sources, as many DPWH projects were not itemized with specific locations or names. The proposed budget increase still requires approval from the full House Committee on Appropriations and the House plenary.

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A bridge that collapsed in Isabela last week had been “overstressed” by the passage of a convoy of heavy trucks, the Department of Public Works and Highways said Wednesday.

Umabot na sa 35 porsyento ang natatapos sa rehabilitasyon ng Maysan Road sa Valenzuela City. Matapos reklamuhan ng

The Sandiganbayan, the anti-graft court in the Philippines, has rejected the request for house arrest made by Juliet Calvo, a former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) official who is a co-accused in the flood control scam involving former lawmaker Zaldy Co. Calvo, who suffered a stroke in August, sought to be placed under house arrest while receiving medical treatment at the Philippine Heart Center. The court granted her a 30-day stay at the hospital but ordered her transfer to the Quezon City Jail Female Dormitory afterward. Calvo's legal team argued that she had difficulty moving and speaking following her stroke, necessitating the house arrest request. The case involves an anomalous flood control project in Oriental Mindoro, where Calvo faces charges of malversation. This is the same corruption case in which Zaldy Co, who is considered a fugitive by authorities, is implicated as one of the masterminds behind a multi-billion peso scam. The Sandiganbayan's decision aligns with previous rulings in similar cases, such as the rejection of bids to remove ex-DPWH chief Bonoan from the graft case and the denial of Bong Revilla's request to exclude justice in a P92.8-M case. The court's stance reflects a strict approach to ensuring that accused individuals comply with legal processes without undue leniency. The case continues to draw attention as it involves high-profile figures and significant public funds. Authorities are monitoring the situation closely as Calvo's medical condition and legal status remain under scrutiny. The Philippine Heart Center has been providing care for Calvo, but the court's order to transfer her to jail after 30 days underscores the legal system's prioritization of accountability over medical considerations in such cases. This development is part of a broader trend in the Philippines where anti-graft courts are increasingly firm in their rulings against corruption cases involving public officials. The case highlights the ongoing efforts to address corruption in government projects, particularly those related to infrastructure and public safety. The flood control project in Oriental Mindoro, which is at the center of the scandal, was intended to protect communities from flooding but allegedly became a vehicle for embezzlement. The Sandiganbayan's decision to deny house arrest for Calvo is seen as a step toward ensuring that all parties involved in the case face the legal consequences of their actions. The case is expected to continue through the judicial process, with further hearings scheduled to determine the next steps for Calvo and other accused individuals. The court's actions demonstrate a commitment to upholding the rule of law and maintaining public trust in the justice system. The case also serves as a reminder of the importance of transparency and accountability in government spending, especially in projects that directly impact public safety and welfare.

Senator Alan Peter Cayetano expressed disappointment over the pace of investigation of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) on the collapse of the Cabagan-Santa Maria bridge in Isabela.

State auditors urge the DPWH to address lapses and inefficiencies to ensure critical projects for Bicol's infrastructure are implemented without further delays