DPWH officers search bail regardless of non-bailable malversation costs

The case stems from a grievance by Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon, who alleged irregularities within the development of a street dike alongside Magazine-Asawang Tubig River in Barangay Tagumpay, Naujan, Oriental Mindoro

MANILA, Philippines – 9 officers of the Division of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) are asking the court docket to grant them bail, although they’re charged with malversation of public funds, a criminal offense usually thought-about non-bailable.

The Sandiganbayan Sixth Division not too long ago terminated hearings on their bail petitions, which means the judges have heard all arguments and can now determine whether or not the officers may be quickly launched whereas their trial strikes ahead.

Crimes involving giant sums of public funds — just like the P289.5 million street dike challenge in Oriental Mindoro linked to the case — are non-bailable by default. Nonetheless, the DPWH officers argued that the prosecution’s proof just isn’t sturdy sufficient to justify preserving them in detention.

In its February 10, 2026 order, the Sandiganbayan directed the prosecution to submit its proof and supply copies to every defendant. The defendants could then file written feedback or objections, and either side are given three days to submit memoranda in the event that they deem it vital.

This order was signed by Affiliate Justices Sarah Jane Fernandez, Kevin Narce Vivero, and Lord Villanueva.

Even because the bail choice is pending, the primary trial is about to start out on March 3.

The case stemmed from a grievance by Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon, who alleged irregularities within the development of a street dike alongside Magazine-Asawang Tubig River in Barangay Tagumpay, Naujan, Oriental Mindoro.

Apart from the DPWH officers, the case includes resigned Ako Bicol Consultant Elizaldy “Zaldy” Co, who stays at giant, and the corporate Sunwest, which dealt with the challenge and is linked to Co.

The DPWH officers named within the case are:

• DPWH-Area 4B Regional Director Gerald Pacanan
• Assistant Regional Director Gene Ryan Altea
• Assistant Regional Director Ruben delos Santos Jr.
• Building Division Chief Dominic Serrano
• High quality Assurance and Hydrology Division officer-in-charge Dennis Abagon
• Venture engineer Felisardo Casuno
• Planning and Design Division officer-in-charge Montrexis Tamayo
• Upkeep Division chief Juliet Calvo
• Bids and Awards Committee accountant Lerma Cayco

Additionally named as defendants are Sunwest president and BoD chairperson Aderma Angelie Alcazar and BoD members Cesar Buenaventura, Noel Cao, Consuelo Aldon, and Anthony Ngo. – Rappler.com