Graft raps filed vs CamSur lawmaker over collapsed flood control projects

National

A LAWMAKER from Camarines Sur, alongside officials from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and private contractors, is facing graft and corruption complaints following the collapse of P2-million flood control projects in the province.

Named in the complaint were Camarines Sur 4th District Rep. Arnulf Bryan Fuentebella, DPWH 4th district engineer Gemma Timbang, her predecessor Nestor Gorimbao, and officials from A.C. Rivero Dev. Corp. and Partido Construction and Supply, a report by Philstar said.

The complaint was filed before the Deputy Ombudsman for Luzon on April 13 and shared with the media on Sunday, May 10.

The complainant, taxpayer Romeo Penilla, alleged that a 60-meter flood control structure along the Sagñay River collapsed, while a 743-meter seawall in Garchitorena was washed out “despite being both fully paid and reported as completed.”

Penilla’s filing detailed several structural deficiencies in the Sagñay River project. These included the “absence of precast concrete piles and steel sheet piles, structural base failure, scouring, cracks (and) swelling.”

The destruction was equally severe in Garchitorena, where the failed seawall reportedly “indicated poor quality of concrete (and) absence of rigid or stable foundation works.” Penilla noted that the collapse of this specific structure directly affected 34 households in the area.

According to the complainant, both projects were funded under the General Appropriations Act through the office of Fuentebella. The Sagñay River structure was valued at P37.2 million, while the seawall spanning Barangays 1 to 4 in Garchitorena cost over P46.9 million.

Penilla has called on the Ombudsman to investigate Fuentebella and the other respondents for alleged violations of Republic Act 3019 (the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act), the Government Procurement Reform Act (RA 9184), and malversation of public funds.

In addition to criminal prosecution, the complainant is seeking to hold Fuentebella, Timbang, and Gorimbao administratively liable for gross neglect of duty, grave misconduct, and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service.(Jhon Mark A. Aboabo, USJR Comm Intern)