Task Force Kasanag (TFK), led by its founder Dr. John Chiong, recently held a press conference to provide substantive updates on complaints and legal actions it has filed concerning alleged irregularities in certain flood control and infrastructure projects under the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).
During the briefing, TFK outlined the progress of cases it initiated beginning in 2022 and reiterated its firm position that public infrastructure funds must be subjected to strict scrutiny, lawful oversight and full accountability.
The organization disclosed that it is actively coordinating with the DPWH and appropriate oversight bodies by submitting documentation and formally identifying contractors, DPWH officials and local government officials named in its complaints in connection with alleged corruption, particularly involving flood control anomalies and related infrastructure projects.
Task Force Kasanag emphasized that its efforts are evidence-based and intended to assist competent authorities in conducting impartial and lawful review proceedings.
Dr. Chiong announced that Task Force Kasanag has filed an ethics complaint against House Committee on Public Works chairperson and Surigao del Sur 1st District Representative Romeo Salazar Momo Sr., along with several other individuals and entities cited in its formal submissions.
Among those referenced in the complaints are construction firms that have been awarded multi-billion-peso flood control and other infrastructure projects of the DPWH in their respective regions, including: GCI Construction and Development Corp. (Bicol), reportedly owned by Gigi Ibasco; Equi-Parco Construction Company (Region XIII/X); Montesclaros Enterprises Inc. (Region X); EUS Construction (Region V); Brentmin Roofing Enterprise (Region V); Centerways Construction and Development Inc. (Region V); and EGB Construction Corporation (Northern Luzon).
“These references are based on documented contract awards and matters raised in sworn complaints submitted to proper authorities for review. All individuals and entities mentioned are presumed innocent unless proven otherwise in accordance with due process of law,” he Chiong said.
The organization also reiterated complaints filed in 2022 against House of Representatives congressmen Zaldy Co, Eric Yap and Edwin Gardiola, and former DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan, as well as other DPWH regional directors.
In addition, Task Force Kasanag referenced plunder and graft complaints filed against former DPWH Undersecretary Romeo Momo, which are undergoing appropriate legal processes.
Dr. Chiong said Task Force Kasanag was among the earliest civic groups to raise concerns in 2022 regarding alleged irregularities in flood control and infrastructure projects. He noted that subsequent legislative inquiries, including proceedings before the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee, have examined related issues.
Task Force Kasanag said it will continue to cooperate with oversight institutions, pursue appropriate legal remedies and advocate for institutional reforms to safeguard public funds and restore public trust in infrastructure governance.
Malacañang earlier said the nearly 1,000-page report of the Independent Commission for Infrastructure has yet to be fully reviewed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.