The Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) has submitted its fourth interim report and recommendation to the Office of the Ombudsman, urging an investigation into alleged irregularities surrounding a P95-million flood control project in Bocaue, Bulacan.

Former Supreme Court Associate Justice Andres B. Reyes Jr., who chairs the ICI, said the project — Contract ID No. 24CC0149 — involved the construction and improvement of slope protection structures and waterways in Barangay Bambang. It was implemented by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Bulacan First District Engineering Office through a contractor.

Citing findings by the Commission on Audit (COA), the ICI report noted that no structure was found at the project site specified in the approved bid plans. COA inspectors also found “unjustified discrepancies” between as-built plans and the approved contract documents.

The ICI said records and COA’s technical inspection show that the project was never constructed at its designated location, yet the DPWH had already released and fully paid the contract amount to the contractor.

“It appears that several DPWH public officials were grossly negligent, if not remiss, in the performance of their respective duties,” the report stated, adding that such acts and omissions “indicate a failure to exercise the required diligence and oversight expected of public officers entrusted with the administration of public funds.”

The report recommended that the Ombudsman evaluate potential violations under the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, malversation and falsification provisions of the Revised Penal Code, Presidential Decree No. 1759, and the Government Procurement Reform Act.

Officials identified for evaluation include DPWH engineers Henry C. Alcantara, Brice Ericson D. Hernandez, Jaime R. Hernandez, Ernesto C. Galang, John Carlo C. Rivera, John Michael E. Marcos, Claudine Magdalene Magsakay, Ericka Justine P. Chico, Allan Payawal, among others.

The ICI also urged the Ombudsman to assess whether former DPWH leaders — including former Secretary Manuel Bonoan and former Undersecretaries Roberto Bernardo and Maria Catalina Cabral — may have violated the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees.

The Commission stressed that its findings are preliminary.

“The responsibility for determining liability rests with the proper authorities,” the ICI said, emphasizing that the submission aims to “assist in ensuring accountability in infrastructure projects and protecting the integrity of public funds.”

The ICI reaffirmed its mandate to promote transparency and provide the public with accurate information on the use of government resources.