Manila: The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has initiated legal proceedings against two contractors for alleged bid rigging and manipulation associated with three projects in Davao Occidental and La Union. These cases have been submitted to the Philippine Competition Commission (PCC) for a preliminary inquiry.

According to Philippines News Agency, Secretary Vince Dizon of the DPWH has filed charges against St. Timothy Construction Corporation, Silverwolves Construction Corporation, alongside various officials and employees from the DPWH Davao Occidental and La Union 2nd District Engineering Offices. The allegations pertain to ghost and substandard flood control projects in Culaman, Jose Abad Santos, Davao Occidental, and Bauang, La Union.

In his statement, Secretary Dizon emphasized the government’s commitment to holding those responsible for corruption accountable. He reiterated the President’s stance, stating, “The President said, whoever is responsible should be held accountable, and these people should be imprisoned, and the money stolen from the people should be returned. As long as we have evidence, we will continue to recommend the complaint.”

The legal action follows President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to address corruption involving former DPWH personnel and contractors who exploited projects for personal gain. Secretary Dizon also disclosed that the DPWH has forwarded a total of 15 contracts to the PCC. Should those involved be found guilty under Section 14, Chapter III of the Philippine Competition Act, they could face fines amounting to PHP3.13 billion.

In a parallel development, complaints submitted by Dizon to the Office of the Ombudsman on Oct. 23, 2025, against 20 accredited and licensed DPWH officials in Davao Occidental, have been sent to the Philippine Regulatory Commission (PRC) for investigation and the potential filing of multiple cases.