BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — Mayor Benjamin Magalong has filed another graft complaint against the head of the Baguio City district engineering office (BCDEO) of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).
It is the fourth graft case that Magalong has filed against officials of the DPWH-BCDEO.
In an 11-page affidavit filed before the Office of the Ombudsman, Magalong said district engineer Rene Zarate violated Section 3 of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act. The mayor cited irregularities in the construction of a bridge from Parapad Village in Barangay North Sanitary Camp going to Magsaysay Avenue. The P88-million project was completed on Aug. 21,2019.
“There was improper construction and use of substandard materials. This was clearly made known and brought to the attention of the respondent,” Magalong said, citing an inspection of the bridge with city engineering office personnel in January 2021.
He said another inspection on Jan. 6 confirmed the irregularities.
“The improper construction and use of substandard materials were never corrected, was tolerated and was accepted... which caused undue injury, including to the government,” the complaint stated.