By Benjamin Cuaresma
MANILA — Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. has welcomed the Ombudsman’s move against three Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) officials accused of involvement in irregularities surrounding eight farm-to-market road projects in Davao Occidental, where reported completion and payment allegedly did not match actual site conditions.
The projects, valued at more than ₱94 million, became the subject of complaints filed by the Department of Agriculture (DA) on May 21, charging government personnel and private contractors with alleged graft, malversation and falsification of public documents.
Inspections reportedly found that some roads remained unfinished despite being declared complete. One project was still under construction despite full payment released in 2023, while another lacked the graveled pathways specified in project records.
In orders dated Sept. 21, the Ombudsman placed James Ryan A. Jabonero, Jonathan O. Relacion and Zesrel P. Cuga under preventive suspension for up to six months pending the proceedings. The orders are immediately executory upon service.
The complaints also named private contractors Allen P. Borbon of Adan Builders Co. and Marvin Lata Cumbe and Honorio C. Cumbe of HVC Sagittarius Commercial & Construction.
Laurel stressed that farm-to-market roads are essential to helping farmers and fisherfolk reach trading centers, lower hauling expenses and minimize spoilage.
The allegations remain subject to investigation and adjudication.
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