DPWH exec cites distance in defending lack of inspections on P289-M Mindoro dike

Montrexis Tamayo, former officer-in-charge of the Planning and Design Division of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH)-Mimaropa (Region 4B), has stated that conducting regular inspections on the P289-million road dike project in Oriental Mindoro was "impractical." Tamayo is a co-accused with former Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Zaldy Co in a malversation case involving alleged substandard work on the flood control project. Tamayo’s defense was presented in his judicial affidavit during a hearing before the Sandiganbayan Sixth Division. He argued that the DPWH Mimaropa office is located in Quezon City, which is very far from the project site along the Mag-Asawang Tubig River in Naujan, Oriental Mindoro, making regular site inspections unfeasible. Earlier, Tamayo’s co-accused, former DPWH Region 4B official Dennis Abagon, testified that he signed the certificate of inspection for the alleged substandard P289-million flood control project without verifying its status. When questioned by the prosecution, Abagon confirmed he signed "yes" without verification but later received the Statement of Work Accomplishment. He also stated that project payments would proceed even without his signature on the inspection certificate. The P289 million road dike project was funded under the 2024 national budget of the DPWH. Information Source: GMA News Philippines