Ex-DPWH Exec Admits Signing Inspection Certificate Without Verifying Project Status

Former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Region 4B official Dennis Abagon testified before the Sandiganbayan on Tuesday that he signed the certificate of inspection for the alleged substandard P289-million flood control project in Oriental Mindoro without verifying its status. Abagon's testimony was made during the hearing of the malversation case filed against him and former Ako Bicol party-list Representative Zaldy Co, among others. Tuesday marked the first day of the presentation of evidence for the defense, with Abagon taking the witness stand. When the prosecution panel asked Abagon if he signed the Certificate of Inspection without verifying the project's status, he replied "yes." However, he stated that he later received the Statement of Work Accomplishment for the flood control project. Under questioning by the prosecution, Abagon explained that payment for the flood control project would still proceed even without his signature on the certificate of inspection. Furthermore, he asserted that it was not his job to conduct physical inspections for the first billing stage of the project, given his role as the DPWH office in charge/Chief of the Quality Assurance and Hydrology Division and a regular member of the Bids and Awards Committee (BAC). "We did not do on-site inspection because we were not required to do so," Abagon said. He added that the progress of the project should be monitored by field engineers and project inspectors, all under the supervision of the project engineer. The project engineer for the P289-million project, Timojen Sacar, is also accused in the case and remains at large. When asked by the prosecution team if he knew Sacar's whereabouts, laughter filled the courtroom, and Abagon did not provide an answer. Several other accused individuals were present during Tuesday's hearing. This case highlights the ongoing concerns regarding transparency and accountability in public works projects in the Philippines. Allegations of corruption in infrastructure development are not uncommon, raising questions about the proper utilization of public funds. Large-scale infrastructure projects, particularly in regional areas, are crucial for economic development but can be susceptible to irregularities that may lead to delays and compromised quality, impacting the lives of local residents.