MANILA, Philippines — The Sandiganbayan has upheld its denial of bail for nine former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) officials implicated in the alleged P289-million flood control project anomaly in Oriental Mindoro, reinforcing the court’s stance that the petition lacked merit.

In a resolution dated March 31, 2026, the Sandiganbayan Sixth Division affirmed its earlier ruling rejecting the bail petitions of the accused, who face malversation charges over the controversial flood control project in Naujan, Oriental Mindoro. The court emphasized that the motions for reconsideration failed to present sufficient grounds to reverse its decision.

The officials denied bail include Gerald Pacanan, former Regional Director IV of DPWH Region IV-B; Gene Ryan Altea, Officer-in-Charge of the Office of the Assistant Regional Director; Ruben Delos Santos Jr., Assistant Regional Director; Dominic Serrano, Construction Division Chief; Juliet Calvo, Maintenance Division Chief; Dennis Abagon, OIC-Chief of the Quality Assurance and Hydrology Division; Montrexis Tamayo, OIC-Chief of the Planning and Design Division; and other senior officials from the regional office.

The case stems from allegations that the P289-million flood control project was substandard and anomalous, with prosecutors arguing that public funds were misused and the project failed to meet required standards. The accused, however, maintained that they were merely performing their official duties and should not be held criminally liable.

Associate Justice Sarah Jane Fernandez, together with Associate Justices Kevin Narce Vivero and Lord Villanueva, underscored that the denial of bail was not a declaration of guilt but a determination based on the eligibility for bail under the circumstances. “The petition lacks merit,” the resolution stated, reiterating that the evidence presented by the prosecution was strong enough to justify continued detention.

The flood control project controversy has drawn public attention due to its scale and the involvement of high-ranking officials. The Sandiganbayan’s ruling signals a firm stance against corruption in infrastructure projects, particularly those intended to safeguard communities from flooding. The case also highlights the judiciary’s role in ensuring accountability among public officials.

Former Ako Bicol Representative Zaldy Co was also implicated in the case, facing charges alongside the DPWH-Mimaropa officials. The court’s decision to uphold the denial of bail means the accused will remain in detention while the trial proceeds, a development seen as a significant step in the government’s anti-graft campaign.

The resolution is expected to set a precedent for similar cases involving alleged misuse of public funds in infrastructure projects, reinforcing the principle that accountability and transparency must be upheld in government service.