The Office of the Ombudsman has recommended criminal charges against several individuals linked to a supposed flood control project in Kulaman, Jose Abad Santos, Davao Occidental worth nearly ₱100 million. The project was declared complete on paper but was later found to have no actual construction.
In his public report, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said the Ombudsman found grounds to pursue charges of malversation through falsification and violation of Section 3(e) of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act. Those identified in the case include personalities from St. Timothy Construction Corporation and several Department of Public Works and Highways employees. The respondents allegedly processed falsified documents that enabled fund release despite the absence of a project.
According to findings, the contract was awarded in January 2022 and later listed as finished. A Criminal Investigation and Detection Group inspection on September 25, 2025 revealed no structures at the site. Local indigenous peoples leaders and barangay officials affirmed this in a joint affidavit.
The Ombudsman reported that the final billing, certificate of completion, and inspection records were falsified. Photos submitted by the respondents reportedly lacked timestamps and proof of association with the project location.
Named individuals from St. Timothy Construction include Cezarah Rowena Discaya and Maria Roma Angeline Remando, along with DPWH personnel suspected of fast-tracking document approval.
Marcos instructed the DILG and PNP to locate the individuals so arrests may proceed once a court issues warrants. He said this marks the beginning of more upcoming actions.
